I heard it said, “God did not call me to do it all, but He does expect me to effectively manage all that I do.”
I’m sure you’ve been there, where you felt like you couldn’t take anymore? Your joy is gone. There’s no skip in your step. The tank is dry, and your will has been depleted. You remember now, don’t you? Maybe you’re there right now.
Well, those moments not only can be a dark side of this life, but they most certainly should be a reminder of our need of God – and making better use of our TIME.
You see, those feelings come when I try to do everything and be everything to everyone. And we all know how that usually ends?
So, here’s what I do. I take back my time. I focus on the non-negotiables and no longer on what I’ve allowed others to say or think I should be doing.
Paul wrote, “So be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, making the best use of your time…” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
So, let me offer a way for you to do this. I saw this on the wall of a friend’s office. Take out a piece of paper and make 4 columns: 1) MUST do; 2) SHOULD do; 3) NICE TO do; 4) WANT TO do. Then, start placing what you’ve been doing in the appropriate columns.
Now listen, if you’ll get honest with yourself, you’ll begin to free yourself from the dark side back into the lighter side – and His joy will return.
Remember, God does not expect you to do it all, but He does expect you to effectively manage all that you do – and may I add one thing to this – what He made you to do?