Intentional

MaxwellIntentional is a word I use frequently. It is important to me that I do things intentionally. That I have forethought and results in mind as I approach a challenge. As much as I through this word around, there are areas of my life that are lacking the very intention I proclaim.

Ugh, it is painful to acknowledge that there are areas in my life that God is calling me to and I am not living them with intention. I have the desire. I want to reach the goal. I want to see the results, and yet I am very haphazard in my approach, attention and commitment.

Why? Why am I not following through the way I desire? Why am I not being obedient to God’s call? Why am I falling short? Fear. Yep, fear. In particular, I fear not being good enough and failing.

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13 NIV).

Knowing God is always with me, helping me does bring comfort. However, the motivation waxes and wanes. I need to be intentional. The book Intentional Living (2015) by John Maxwell is giving me direction on how to intentionally be the person I am called to be. He challenges us to be a good story, to live with intention. He gives us four essentials to living our story.

  1. Put yourself in the story.
  2. Put significance in your story.
  3. Put your strengths in your story.
  4. Stop trying and start doing.

Maxwell goes on to say that this will help us reaffirm our values, find our voice and develop inner fulfillment. This has helped my identify my gaps and places where I am doing pretty good. I believe this is true if for no other reason than it aligns me with God’s call and promise in Jeremiah.

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

I want to be intentional in all of my life pursuits. I want to be someone who lives out God’s call on her life. I want to get out of the slow lane and push the gas pedal a little harder. I don’t want years to go by and wonder why I haven’t reached the goal or seen results in life. I desire inner fulfillment. I know God is there to help me, but I have to do my part.

How are you doing? Are you living with intention? Is there significance in your life? What is holding you back? I encourage you to lean into that call God has giving you and make a plan to live your purpose.

What is helping you live with intention? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.

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