Margin: Finding Fruit in a World Driven by ProgressSample

The Movement from Striving to Faithfulness

Yesterday, we examined how margin can be restored to our relationships, calendars, and finances if we are willing to move from comparison to compassion.

Today, we will consider a second movement as we seek to give margin a seat at the table of our overcrowded lives: The movement from striving to faithfulness.

Progress is a liar. More often than I care to admit, I have believed the lie that my value as a person is directly proportional to how much I accomplish. Allowing this lie to take up residence in my heart leads to a life of constant striving, which often feels like the only way to get ahead.

Proverbs 16:9 says, "The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps." Even though I would never say it out loud, my actions all too often reveal that I think God is simply moving too slowly and that I would prefer to be in control of "directing my own steps."

Continuous striving leads to a lifestyle that is out of sync with the plans and purposes of God. Our obsession with productivity and accomplishment devours any available margin within our relationships, calendars, and finances.

So, what would it look like to move from a posture of striving to one of faithfulness to the moment?

God has placed specific dreams and desires within each of us. Plans and purposes to form us more and more into the image of Jesus for the sake of others and the glory of His name. In order to be faithful to the calling that has been placed in our hearts, we need the Holy Spirit's help to discern both the dream and God's timing of when it will come to be.

God is inviting us into an intimate relationship with Him. If we are willing to slow down and be present in the moment, He will be faithful to reveal each piece of the puzzle in His perfect timing.

Today, take a few moments to get quiet with the Lord. As you do, reflect on two questions:

In your current season of life, what would faithfulness to God's plans and purposes look like?

Is there an area of your life where you have fallen into the trap of striving to accomplish a dream or desire at a pace that is out of sync with God's timing?