Two steps ahead, one back

That is how we travel our faith walk.  Two steps ahead, one back. No one's trajectory is full on straight ahead.

Life happens.

There are setbacks, tests, trials, apathy, and so on.

The key is to not berate yourself over the one step back, like I do.

Progression, not perfection, is what a family member once told me.  Was my quest for spiritual perfection that obvious?!  Can someone want to be like Jesus too much?

The more we rest, the more we progress.  That is my new motto.

Fruit doesn't force itself to grow.  It simply hangs on the branch.  The water, soil, sun, climate, and so on, take care of the rest.  

So for all of my effort to do more, be more, and the like, I've decided to rest in Jesus instead.

This is not passive.  Not one bit.

It is wise.

Hey!  How about that!  I have been praying for more wisdom lately.  There it is!

Be still.   Another translation reads cease striving - trying, pushing, wanting, being impatient, wondering, reasoning, and all the other nonsense we do when we're not fully trusting God.  Stressors all of them.

And know that He is God.  

That is quite enough, isn't it? To stay focused on Him all day is task enough for most of us.

So next time you feel you have failed God, don't beat yourself up.  Come back to Him.

He is always there, waiting with open arms.

Dear Lord.  You are so loving and patient with us.  Even though we fail You throughout the course of the day, You always take us back.  Actually, You never left our side for even one second.  Help us stay in tune with You, abide in You, trust You, and cease striving in the flesh.  For You are where it's at, sweet Jesus.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.