Galatians 6:9 

9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” 

INTRO

Have you ever trained for something? Like a race or a basketball game or for some type of sport? Or have you ever had to practice to give a presentation? Have you ever had the desire to put off your training or your practice until a later time? How often do you feel like you need to be forced to practice or study? Wanting to push your preparation off until later usually causes a panic when it comes time to perform. The disease that usually takes us out is called “procrastination”. Now obviously this isn’t a disease, but sometimes it feels like a sickness we can’t get rid of, and unfortunately this can grow to all parts of our lives, even the parts where we attempt to invest in our relationship with God. Fortunately one way we can tackle feeling paralyzed by procrastination is shifting our perspective about the opportunity we’ve been given now so that we can walk into the blessing of what God has next. Today we’re going to look at how we can shift our perspective on preparation and take advantage of the time we’ve been given.   

Presence is Preparation 

What are you doing with your time? 

Where do you spend your time? How often are you present with God? 

“7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7

All the power you need to live out the purpose God has given you is provided by Him. God will not demand what he has not deposited in you. So stick close to Him and He will prepare you!

Presence Shifts Perspective 

What are you doing when things get tough?

Distance brings distortion. The closer you are to God the clearer your life becomes.

“22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” James 1:22-23

The more clarity you have the more confidence you’ll have.

Presence Produces Performance 

What are you doing with your talent?

The more you’re around God in community at Church and by yourself you’ll find the tools needed to change and live out your faith!

16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world…we love each other because He first loved us” 1 John 4:16-17,19

We can only give what we’ve received. We can only live out the life we’ve been given. What you do for God doesn’t stem from how good you are, but what you do with the goodness you’ve received from Him.

CONCLUSION

The pressure to perform is not on your shoulders. Jesus said this, “28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Oftentimes we are paralyzed by procrastination because we fear the pain that comes with trying. However, God is inviting us to trust that if He gives the invitation to live a life that produces purpose to make change around us that He will provide the strength, wisdom, and power along the way.

Bgroup Questions

1. Why do people like putting things off until the last minute? What are the issues that can come from that?
2. Do you feel there are times where you push your relationship with God to the end of the list of things to do?
3. What are some practical ways that you can prioritize God’s presence in your life? Where can you spend your time with Him? How can you use your talents for Him?

TAKE ACTION: This week write down ways you can spend more time with God, and write down some things you can do that can be used by God to advance His Kingdom. Maybe this is in the form of using your ability to speak, create art, or music that will glorify Him.

Go Deeper with this Video!