Are you canceling yourself out? (CASM 55)

It’s nice to have preferences, and we all have them, but. Are you canceling yourself out? Sticking closely to a routine or to the things you like and are not willing to step out and try something new. I encourage structure and believe it’s necessary but not at the expense of not being able to switch gears when the Lord is speaking to you to do it a different way. Are you canceling yourself out from knowledge, understanding, progression, and blessings? How about the Fruit of the Spirit abounding? Maybe, new opportunities because acknowledging Jesus is secondary.

Should I or shouldn’t I

We say we can’t and we’re not calling on Jesus to see if we can. We say we can and we’re not calling on Jesus to see if we should. Acknowledging Jesus should be our way of life. It should be our first action in any circumstance. A sure way of canceling yourself out is by not going directly to the Lord and verifying your steps. We prematurely take ourselves out or put ourselves in situations based on if it feels good or bad or if we can tolerate it. It’s not because we’re depending on God to reveal and work through any challenges it’s because we want to feel a certain way. In most cases, it’s our feelings and emotions that cause us to make impulse decisions. Consulting the Lord on if you should or shouldn’t do something will reduce or eliminate the amount of effort you exert in vain.

Afraid of victory

There were times when I didn’t push myself or take opportunities that were bigger than myself because I was afraid of succeeding. I was canceling myself out because I didn’t think I was smart enough or good enough. Inadequate was how I felt and would describe myself, so I didn’t try for what I wanted. I accepted things not because Jesus told me to, but because I doubted my ability which ultimately meant I doubted the Lord. I was just like Moses, lacking skills and using every excuse not to go forward (Exodus 4). God’s divine mercy and grace made a way for me just like it did for Moses.

Keep in mind that action must replace talking. Moses had to act, which was to go forward, put one foot in front of the other and move. He had the promise and guarantee of the Almighty to be with him and work through him regardless of the challenges that were before him. For us to experience the promise, we have to do what God is asking us to do so we can tell the story of victory. It can be scary, but what’s more frightening to me is to get to the end of my life and realize I didn’t accomplish much because I didn’t believe in the promises of God.

In conclusion

There are many ways in which we cancel ourselves out of the plan God has for us. I am truly thankful that God never cancels His love, longsuffering, and mercy, and there’s never a shortage. However, He will discipline us as a good father should. He never leaves us and we can call on Him at any time and make a course correction.

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