Step Up to Four Things
Frodo: “I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.”
Gandalf: “So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings)
Life is a journey and throughout your journey you have made decisions about what path to follow. You are where you are today because of the choices you have made. Situations arose, circumstances happened, and events occurred—and you made decisions about how to respond. It is those decisions that have brought you to where you are today.
Circumstances are a factor in your life, but they are not the deciding factor. Circumstances influence you, but your decisions define and direct you. Indeed, how you manage the R is the most powerful factor in the quality of your life.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3.17)
As we experience events and situations, here are four things that life requires us to step up to:
Step Up Now… win the moment
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time …” (Ephesians 4.15-16)
Life happens one moment at a time. A project is a series of moments, a conversation is a series of moments, even driving your car is a series of moments. The key to effectiveness and fruitfulness is winning those moments. But to win the moment, you must be in the moment. The only time available for you to step up and work toward your goals is now. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future is a distraction you cannot afford.
Step Up Daily… work the process
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” (Proverbs 10.4)
The secret to productivity and success isn’t a secret. It’s a discipline: The cumulative impact of daily action repeated over time. Often it will be tedious and uncomfortable, maybe even for long stretches, and it will be tempting to settle for a lesser way that is more convenient and less challenging. Don’t compromise.
Work the process that is necessary for the time that is required, and solve problems along the way. If you lose patience and get frustrated, it is an indicator that negative things have hijacked your attention, and you need to refocus on the work that needs to be done. Perseverance is essential.
Don’t resist the process or resent the time. Don’t complain about the problems. Do the work.
Step Up to the Predictable… anticipate
“Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.” (Proverbs 24.27)
Many of the events and situations you experience are predictable. There are recurring E’s in your life that have happened and will continue to happen. Unfortunately, it’s easy to get stuck in default in how you respond to predictable E’s.
Use the Proactive Pause and think ahead. Recognize the pattern of events you experience and be clear about the mindset and action that work best in response to those events. Anticipate and be prepared to step up with discipline. Your R is the key variable. If your response doesn’t change, the outcome won’t change.
Step Up to Adversity… be resilient
Your R is most important when the E is most difficult. No one wants adversity, but everyone gets it. Accept the reality that you will experience setbacks, difficulties, and defeats. Some will be serious. These are the situations (or seasons) that will test your resilience.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1.2-4)
When adversity strikes, don’t flinch. Trust God, recognize the difficulty, acknowledge the discomfort, and focus on what you need to do. Tap into the power of the Spirit who dwells within you. Step up to the challenges you face and respond with faith, courage, and resilience.
“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4.12-13)
