Ok, so I admit, I’m a list maker. I enjoy making lists, reviewing my list and especially checking things off the list. I remember a co-worker years ago making fun of my lists. It wasn’t so much that she was laughing at my making a list, but in the fact that I used a thick Sharpie marker to completely “kill” the task once it was finished, instead of putting a little check-mark next to it or thin line through it!
Sometimes I realize that in my desire to be productive, I’m not at the same time prayerful.
Occasionally, I will put things on my list that need to be done but if I was honest with myself; I know are not going to get done, like: organize the attic. I know that this needs to be done; however, I also know that I’m not going to get to it this week. I’ve been more mindful that I should not add something to the list unless I actually intend to accomplish it that day/week.
So what about you? Are you a list maker?
(You will know you are if in seeing this picture you are tempted to begin writing things on the lines!)
I have found that when I do this 1 thing, often times my list of things to do can be shortened. What is this 1 thing?
PRAY
Because I enjoy being productive I can sometimes forget this all important prayer time over my “to-do” list. Sure, I pray about friends, family, my church, and other needs. I pray to just talk to God, but I have found that I often do not pray as I’m writing out that list. I’m not praying as I’m checking things off. When I do; however, the load is often lightened or the list is changed completely.
I remember a time when I prayed over my list and sensed that I was to spend some time with a woman who needed guidance instead of cleaning the house that day (Yes, it didn’t take much convincing!). I called her and we met for lunch. When I returned home my babysitter said she had some extra time while my young son took a nap so she cleaned the house! What?! She had never done this before. It was a fresh reminder that when we care about our Father’s business, He will help us with the other “business” that needs to be done! God took my “To-Do” list and made it a “Ta-Da” List when He accomplished things on my behalf in a way only He can!
God will help us accomplish all that He asks us to do. Jesus never ran anywhere in a hurry. We never see Jesus in a panic, or stressed by all that He had to accomplish. God says that his yolk is easy and his burden is light. Is your “to-do” list a heavy burden? Then, it’s not from God. Pray over the things that currently take-up your time, and allow God to help you write your “to-do” lists from now on, then watch for the “ta-da” when God shows up to help you accomplish more than you thought possible.
Has God ever reorganized your list during prayer time?
Written by Jamie Shaver