Why do you have to be intentional?
Hebrews 12:2:
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
You have this deep desire to connect with God, feeling like it is a crucial part of your journey with faith. But let us be real, finding the rhythm of regular prayer, making it to church, and delving into the Bible? That is proving to be a bit of a challenge.
When you try to have those quiet moments of prayer, it is like a circus of distractions takes over your mind. Thoughts about responsibilities, and worries – they all come crashing in, making it tough to really connect. And church? Well, those pews that used to feel like a haven? Now, they seem a bit more like a distant memory. The sermon? It is there, but your mind is off on its adventure.
Then, there is the Bible. Cracking it open feels like stepping into uncharted territory. The words, powerful as they are, sometimes feel like they are in a language you have not quite mastered. And understanding it is like trying to unravel a mystery.
Instead of turning to God in those tough times, it is easy to find comfort in the temporary stuff. And that creates this cycle, leaving you feeling a bit distant, a tad disheartened.
But you know deep down how crucial it is to have this connection with God. It is your strength when things get rough, your guiding light when everything seems dark.
That said, the key is to be intentional.
Being intentional means making a conscious effort, and purposefully directing your actions towards a specific goal.
In your faith journey, this intentional approach can be a game-changer, especially in the midst of your current struggle.
When you are intentional about prayer, it is not just about finding a quiet moment; it is about actively pushing distractions aside. It is choosing to talk to God with focus, shutting out the noise that tries to steal your attention.
Being intentional in attending church means it is not just a routine. You decide to engage – to be present mentally and spiritually. It is about showing up to connect, not merely occupy a seat.
And with the Bible, being intentional means taking it one step at a time. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you deliberately choose a verse or chapter to understand. It is about digesting the words, absorbing the wisdom, and gradually building your understanding.
In times of adversity, being intentional helps break the cycle. Instead of seeking fleeting comforts, you purposefully turn to God.
It is choosing His strength over temporary solace, actively shaping your responses in alignment with your faith.
Consider Peter, one of Jesus' closest companions. He faced challenges in staying intentional in his faith journey. There was a time when distractions and fear crept in, much like what you are experiencing now.
In the garden where Jesus prayed, Peter, though urged to stay awake and pray, found himself overcome by weariness.
Distractions took hold, and he struggled to focus on what truly mattered. Sound familiar? Yet, later in the story, Peter's journey takes a turn.
After Jesus' crucifixion, Peter could have succumbed to despair, but he chose intentionality. He decided to confront his struggle head-on. In the book of Acts, we see a different Peter – one who actively engages in prayer, attends gatherings with fellow believers, and boldly shares his faith.
Your efforts to be intentional in your faith journey can bring you the closeness with God that you seek, offering strength and guidance in moments of challenge and uncertainty.
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