STUCK IN A RUT

We walk our dog Allie at least twice a day for our health as well as hers. If we forget, we can always count on her to remind us by quietly interrupting our activities at the appropriate time. Dogs are able to imprint your routine into their internal clock. This can keep you disciplined and healthy, although it can be annoying if you want to skip your walk for the day. I always thought Allie was “stuck in a rut”, wanting to pull me along with her; but now I believe that she just loves to “dance” to music that I cannot hear. She chases squirrels, birds and the never ending source of new “smells” along the way.
 
When we are “stuck in a rut”, we need to “tune in” to the music that used to make us tap our feet and jump for joy as we “danced” through our day. Perhaps it’s been awhile; or maybe you have never found the “song” within you that was so powerful you couldn’t stand still. Whatever your situation is, I want to encourage you to “DANCE”; climb out of the rut and dance. Dance for all your worth!
 
Dream BIG. There is no limit on what God can do through you. Paul said “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”(Philippians 4:13). Sometimes we fall victim to small dreams; we under estimate our own abilities that are given, guided and gusto-filled by Christ. If we only attempt small things for God; we will only accomplish small things for God. We have been given gifts, talents and abilities to be invested; at some point God will evaluate our portfolio. The great pastor Charles Spurgeon, when asked about his success said “I just set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn.” When God sets you on “fire”, people will come to see you “burn”; Dream BIG.
 
Allow growth, never quit learning. Learning allows us to avoid or overcome the hurdle of failure.  Failure stops some people from ever making another attempt. Remember the Pulse Check article which described “how to fail like a professional”; Face it, Allow God time to work, Integrate what you learn and Look forward to the next opportunity? James gives us the following insight, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6). It is imperative that when we ask for wisdom, that we believe that God will give us exactly what we need to know.
 
Negotiate later. When God is giving us wisdom we don’t need to stop and take a poll. Just do it! I’m sure you are familiar with the phrase, “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than it is for permission.” Don’t confuse this with the admonition to seek godly advice (Proverbs 15:22). There are circumstances in which it is prudent to seek counsel from godly men and women in your life, but there are other times in which we need to “respond” to the Spirit of God based on knowing His voice and/or using knowledge we already have from past experiences. Because we are experiencing “real growth”, it means that we are increasing in wisdom to make more decisions without always seeking advice from others.

Create memories. Enjoy the “dance” that God has given you because he created the music just for you. Most of us don’t like to have our picture taken in the moment, but it’s always fun to go through photo albums from the past to remember the “good old days”. Wouldn’t it be sad to look back on your life without ever having a single memory of joy? The Psalmist asked God to, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12). He wanted wisdom so that he didn’t waste a single day without creating a memory. Create memories, take pictures with a camera and in your heart; enjoy the dance.
 
Expect success. Success is as much a mental achievement, as it is the accomplishment of a physical act. When our “head” is in the right place, creating the picture, our “actions” will fill in the details. Do you remember the story of David and Goliath? David came to visit his brothers on the battle field as they faced the Philistines. Goliath was the “giant” Philistine warrior who was taunting the army of Israel to a one-on-one battle to decide the victory. Not even King David was willing to take on Goliath. Sizing up the situation David’s “head” said; who is this man that “he should defy the armies of the living God!” (1 Samuel 17:26). While his “actions” picked up stones, loaded his sling shot and defeated Goliath. David expected success and nothing less.
 
Check your pulse and look around. Are you “stuck in a rut” or have you just tuned out the music that God has for your life? Climb out of the rut, listen for the music and dance with God. Dance for all your worth!