Time for a TurnaroundShembull

MATURITY

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. It’s not enough to read about making a transformation. Now is the time to respond and apply these principles. This is a partnership with Jesus, and our part requires action. Faith without works is dead. 

In order to make a full turnaround, we need to consistently apply what we learned about willingness, forgiveness, attitudes, and boundaries. Having issues in these areas is an invitation to develop skills and practice mindsets that will make Christ’s nature our nature. 

Maturity is first being honest with yourself about where you need to develop skills and who you can turn to for guidance. In a multitude of counselors, there is safety. I was asked one day who my relationship counsel was. Who was my financial counsel? Who was my business counsel? I told the person that I didn’t know who to trust, and they said, “Well, have you asked God?” Sometimes we have not because we ask not. Mentors, books, YouTube, and Bible reading plans can all be part of our wise counsel.

It’s also important to pay attention to who you surround yourself with. If you want to be a winner, you have to hang out with winners. If you want to be a giant-slayer, you have to run with giant-slayers. Who you hang out with will determine who you will be in five years. 

With consistent practice and perseverance, the steps we take towards our goals will become spiritual and emotional disciplines. Small changes bring big results. The first day we exercise our muscles, sometimes the next day we experience more pain. But we keep it up and keep it up and keep it up, and eventually change happens. In fact, we get to a point where we wouldn’t want to live any other way. But with every new habit, the minute you quit, you go back to where you were. 

Making a turnaround is a lifelong journey that requires consistent and persistent choices, but it gets easier the more you exercise your will and follow through until it’s second nature. When I first learned to ride a bike, I fell several times. Some of the falls were so painful, I didn’t think I would ever learn how. Today I don’t give it a thought when I get on a bike – it’s muscle memory. With any change or goal in life, we have to be willing to put in consistent self-discipline, and eventually the actions become habits. Short-term pain equals long-term gain.

As we apply the principles we’ve learned in the previous teachings through persistent practice, we will be amazed at how clearly we will see where God is leading us. 

Reflection:

What do you want in your life? In your finances, relationships, health, etc. Clearly define it.  See the vision and write it down, as in Habakkuk 2:2.

What are the steps you need to take to make your change? What skills, habits, education, declarations, etc. are necessary? What’s one thing you could do everyday that would help you reach your goal?

We hope this devotional has been beneficial for you. For more information on Time for a Turnaround, check out my website or send me an email: contact@lynneldridge.com