Blog

Why is it that so many people are afraid to venture out and try new things? I certainly find this is the case in my life coaching. The common excuses I hear from people are that they are “waiting.” But waiting for what? The right time or the right opportunity? The right circumstances? Until we feel like it? Waiting on God? There’s nothing wrong with desiring God’s leadership, but I wonder how many times God may waiting on us to move. How do you move a parked car? Well, you don’t very easily. I don’t find God to be in the towing business. He’s given us free will.

The sad truth is… if you keep waiting, you may wait until it’s too late and life has truly passed you by. Procrastination is not always our friend. It’s ultimately a decision that says, “not now.” However, it’s really saying “no.” By being indecisive you are still choosing. You are choosing to say “no” to new opportunities, choices and moving your life forward.

In the Bible, there are many scriptural references that are far from procrastination or passivity and are quite action packed. “Ask and it shall be given to you.” “Seek and ye shall find.” Knock and the door shall be opened to you.” “Give and it shall be given to you.” These really put the ball in your court. Life is there for you, but to experience it you must seize the day and take the initiative.

You are admonished to ask. The problem in the world today is people are doing a lot of talking and telling and not so much listening or asking questions. You are told to ask and it will be given to you. Sometimes, you don’t have because you don’t ask. Maybe you are afraid to ask or maybe you assume you know it all or have all the answers. Therefore, you aren’t open to input of any kind. But what would happen if you were more open to input or open to asking for help or just asking questions in general? What would happen if you did ask more questions? Maybe you would learn a little more. You may even find or discover answers or solutions to your problems.

Instead of always talking at people, if you would maybe slow down and listen and ask more questions, you might get to know the people in your world better. You may even have “ah-ha’s” about how they really feel and what they really think. This awareness alone may change everything in your relationship and communication with that person.

If you would seek, you would most likely find what you need. It’s easy to become mentally lazy and want someone else to do it for you. In today’s world, where you have easy access to information through the internet, you really don’t have any excuses. You can google something and find results in seconds. If you’ll be intentional about seeking, you’ll have a greater chance of finding what you’re looking for than if you don’t. Seeking is active and is far from passive.

When you knock on a door, you have a greater chance of having a door open because you did knock. Opportunities rarely fall in your lap. You must pursue them and go after them. Generally, one opportunity or one open door can lead to another. The truth is it all happened because you dared to knock on that first door.

If you give, you’ll find that you’re the one being blessed. It often comes back to you in surprising ways. When you give, you’ll discover the joy in it. One cure for boredom and unfulfillment is to find ways to give to others. You were not designed to be totally absorbed and “me” focused. You need others and the real joy in life comes when you give from your heart with no strings attached. Give and it shall be given to you.

I think you get the point. There is so much joy and adventure that awaits you. I don’t believe we were meant to live some dull or passive existence, just going through the motion. I believe you were designed to experience life abundantly. I also believe it’s God’s desire and heart for you. He’s not going to do it for you. He can prompt and encourage you, but you must do your part. No matter the area of life you want to grow or excel in, you’ll always have a far greater chance of goal achievement, success, joy, and fulfillment if you act versus if you don’t.