At church a few weeks ago, I was listening to the message, which was about serving God in church as well in our day to day lives. Daniel asked the question, “Where is God calling you into ministry?” I couldn’t help but think about the time and effort that I have been putting into improving my physical health and strength compared to what I have been investing into my spiritual strength. I know that God has placed this health and fitness journey on my heart…without a doubt. At the same time, He has called me to be a mother, a wife, a teacher, and a mentor. All of these roles, including being a coach, are areas that I have the opportunity to minister to people.
One of my daily prayers recently is that I will be present where I’m at. That my mind will not be distracted with my lengthy To Do list while I play with the boys. That I am mentally present and engaged in my conversations with Matt. That when I am coaching and encouraging, my main focus is helping people and being there for those that need me. It is so easy for me to get caught up in what I need to get done rather than focusing on the here and now. I am guilty of that at home, at work, and at church.
I shared a couple months ago about unplugging from technology at certain times each night, and that has been such a blessing!!! Instead of sitting in bed and scrolling through social media, I am more engaged in Matt. Instead of checking my phone every few minutes while I’m with the boys, I leave my phone out of sight, so they know they have my full attention.
When I talk on the phone with my coaches, I don’t have anything in front of me except a note pad to make notes on what they have questions about.
I read an awesome devotion this morning that encouraged me to really pay attention to the effort and intention I put into my relationship with Christ. Because when I am intentional there and earnestly seeking Him, everything else falls into place.
Approaching my relationship with Christ with Purpose and with Determination
1. Purpose – Believers must choose whether to pursue God or chase after idols. If we desire intimacy with Him, it is necessary for us to approach the spiritual disciplines purposefully. Before opening Scripture, ask the Lord what He wants to say to you. Pray to understand His ways – He loves answering that request.
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| 1 Chronicle 22:19 |
2. Determination – Even when we don’t feel like putting time into our relationship with Christ, we must determine to do so. A revelation from God won’t come everyday, but don’t despair. Those who diligently seek the Savior experience His presence frequently in their worship!
I don’t always get this right. I am easily distracted, and my mind wanders to what I need to get done so often. And I’m really convicted that sometimes living with purpose and determination means that the laundry doesn’t get folded right away. Or the cobwebs in the corner are there for a few months. Or maybe we actually have toasted cheese for the second time this week, so that we can sit down and play or do homework together. (They love toasted cheese!) And maybe, oh this is crazy, my house doesn’t get completely decorated for Halloween….
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| Spending time with these guys is so worth it! |
Living life with intention does NOT mean that I get it all done perfectly. It means that I do it well. And that may look different for everyone. For me, my priorities are that
- My relationship with Christ grows Daily.
- My family benefits in a big way from that as well as has my time and attention when they need it.
- My challengers and coaches know that I am there for them to help them grow and change.
- Any ministry that God has me involved in is blessed by my commitment to Him!
I just wanted to encourage anyone reading this to make that same commitment. Don’t walk through this life with a halfway attitude. Pray and ask God to show you where He wants you. And commit to being THERE! Maybe you have to cut some other things out, but living out your purpose with Determination and Intention is so rewarding!!
I am always a work in progress, but I am thankful God is still working in and through me!
xoxo,
Rachel Mitchell
