WHEN

When I finally graduate high school.  When I get through with college.  When I get married.  When we have kids.  When our kids are a little older. When the bank account is more substantial. When we have grandchildren.  When we retire. WHEN? 

My husband and I were up late talking the other night, reminiscing about how much time had passed and all the different things we would have done if we could go back and do it all over again; then something profound dawned on me.  One of Satan's greatest tactics in the destruction of souls, in the breaking down of the family, and in the downfall of our culture, as a whole, lies within one simple word: WHEN.   

WHEN is the very word that gives you permission to ignore that nagging desire, to put off that daddy-daughter date, or to hold off on chasing a dream you have had for as long as you can remember. WHEN is that safe place in which you tell yourself that someday you will, in fact, make that change or follow that dream - but just not today.  I will wait WHEN it is a more appropriate time, only that time rarely ever comes. However, that was Satan's plan from the very beginning.   

Satan is completely fine with you having dreams, having desires for your family, and having hopes for the future as long as that is where they remain, in the future with no real potential of ever coming to fruition.  The back burner is where he spends most of his time.   

In that case, I want to run from the back burner into a vast open space of possibilities that God has placed before me in the year 2018, and I would love for you to come with me. 

We are image bearers, Genesis 1:26, created in the image of God, created in His likeness which would explain our longing to design, to build, to love, and to be loved. He has given us all unique and wonderful ways for us to express those desires - but WHEN?  Why do we so often assume that the things we are the most passionate about are hobbies, instead of the very work in which God has placed us here to do? 

 "If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on earth, and if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.  He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap." (Ecclesiastes 11:3-4)   

If you are waiting for WHEN it will never come.  If you are waiting for everything to fall into place and be perfect in your life before you pursue your passion, good luck with that.  Maybe your epitaph can read: “WHEN” and at least your family will know that your intentions were good.   

Like everything I have ever written, this post is for me, so please do not be offended, unless it offends you into movement, and then I am okay with it.  But I needed to write this for many reasons, mainly because I am tired of living for the WHEN and ready to live for the NOW. 

Zach and I made a lot of decisions on that couch a few nights ago.  Some are seemingly small and insignificant, others are a little bolder and, to be honest, a little scary, but I am ready. 

What about you?  

Dare to let this year be the year that your WHEN becomes NOW. Dare to make this year’s New Year Resolutions become New Life Resolutions.  A life lived purposefully and intentionally.  A life lived using every gift God has placed within you, weaving it through every facet of your life. 

Write that book. Take that trip. Make that career change.  Invest in your family.  Give up that bad habit.  Pursue your passion.  Let go of fear.  Seek after God never like before, and allow Him to illuminate your path.  

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy." (John 10:10) 

Satan wants to steal your time, to kill your desires, and destroy your passion.  He speaks in hushed tones and assures you that you are not ready, that you are not equipped, that you will fail. 

"I came that you may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10) 

God says WHEN is TODAY.  God says He longs that you LIVE.  

I hope this post will not be likened merely to a motivational speech but instead a spiritual truth that runs into the depths of your soul.  To bring glory to God through the pursuit of your passions is abundant life.  When we attempt to operate in the ways of the world, we are left with a feeling of emptiness that no amount of success can fill.  But when we dare to LIVE purposefully, for the Glory of the one who made us, we encounter an abundance of LIFE that cannot be found through any other means. 

 LIVE TODAY. 

P.S. Share your thoughts with me.  How different will 2018 look for you than the year before?