How many of us run around frantic everyday trying to complete all the tasks on our to-do lists? I know I do.
What about God’s to-do list for you? Have you taken the time to find out what He wants you to do each day? I haven’t.
Last week I wrote a post about trying to become a better wife by completing more tasks and having a better attitude. I was joking about becoming a Stepford wife so that I could be the perfect wife for my husband.
Then on Saturday night I was at the Harvest Crusade reading an article by our pastor’s wife, Cathe Laurie. The article titled, “You Do Have Time” discussed how we worry so much about “trying to cope with all the activities we have committed to, while attempting to live fruitful, godly lives.” Unfortunately, that’s a pretty difficult task to complete.
Cathe broke it down into four simple points to remember:
1. Remember that you don’t have to meet all the expectations you have for yourself nor all the expectations others have for you.
2. Remember that God’s Word promises you enough time to accomplish all that God is asking of you. The Bible tells us, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3 NKJV).
3. Consult your Heavenly Father daily and learn, through the Word, the responsibilities He has given you. Then commit yourself only to those tasks that are in keeping with His priorities.
4. Ask Him to grant you the will-power or won’t power to keep that focus throughout the day.
Point #3 is what really jumped out at me. I am always so worried about making sure the house looks perfect, there’s more than enough food in the fridge, and the laundry is all done instead of focusing on what God wants me to do today.
My friend, Tasnee, left a comment on my post, The Stepford Wife, and I think she would agree with Cathe as well. Here’s what Tasnee had to say:
“Well, I tried to do everything that a “good” wife would do, but then I would be stressed out in trying to get it all done, and be a little cranky to say the least because I wanted to make sure that the house was perfect, dinner was ready, the yard was weeded, and on and on. After asking my husband what he thought about all that I had done, his response was that he didn’t really care about all of that stuff, he wanted me to be kind! Talk about putting it into perspective! Apparently overextending myself to try to give him everything that I thought he wanted was not making me the kind and sweet wife that he married! So, now I do the things I can and let go of the rest, so I don’t feel stressed and anxious to get everything done!”
If you think about your schedule from yesterday, how did you glorify God and accomplish the work He called you to do? How could you have made better choices and experienced God’s presence and peace?
Now think about your schedule for tomorrow. How will you glorify God and accomplish the work He will call you to do?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this post. I have been thinking about that all day and all weekend. This is just another reminder to put him first. I am your newest follower. Blessings to you & thank you for posting this.
Me too……You can count me in……..God Bless!
Your blog was great Jen! I know that I go by my "to do list" every day and I have a hard time when I dont complete all of my tasks. 99.9% of the time it is all just "stuff" that needs to be done and it really isnt that important. Thanks for making me think
Hi Jen,
All that "stuff" definitely tends to get in the way of why we're here as Christians…to share the Gospel and help others get "saved" so they can meet us in Heaven. It's so easy to get caught up in everyday life and forget what's important. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!