"...the storm subsided, and all was calm." – Luke 8:2
So far, with our 5 Step Survival Guide, you have:
*Identified a persistent stressor.
*Identified the root cause of the stress.
*Sought guidance from Scripture regarding what God says about the core issue.
*Prayed for discernment and clarity on God's will and asked God if there is an attitude He wants to reveal something about or a change He wants you to make.
*Identified potential barriers to taking action.
Some changes may be easy to make, while some may be harder. A change is easier to make if you believe you are doing the right thing, no matter how much you are out of your normal comfort zone. Things often seem difficult because a behaviour or situation has been a way of life for a long time that it may feel easier to continue to worry, or talk about it, rather than take an action step to resolve the issue.
However, God did not intend for you to be stressed, exhausted, irritated and frustrated. He wants you to turn to Him and walk with Him step by step.
Consider Susan's story:
Susan, overwhelmed by consistently arriving home late from work and thus disappointing her family, used the 5 Whys technique to uncover that her habit of people-pleasing was the root cause. A search of the scriptures revealed to Susan her priority should be pleasing God, not others. Taking action meant learning to say "no" when necessary to prioritize her family. She resolved to tactfully decline additional requests for her help, ensuring her commitments aligned with her priorities. She decided that if she was asked for help, and if it was not necessary, she would say something as follows: "I wish I could help you, but I have a deadline I need to meet so unfortunately I am not able to help". If she had suggestions on where the person might be able to find resources, she would certainly offer that information. Using the 5 Step Survival Guide, Susan was ready to take the next step to resolve a long-standing stressful issue.
Your Action Step:
You are now ready to take your next step! Record your Action Step somewhere where you can easily refer back to it. Consider the following:
Is there anything about your Action Step that is not in keeping with God's word?
Would you benefit from the advice of trusted Christian friends and/or professionals?
Did you take into consideration other priorities in your life?
Be at peace regarding what you feel God wants you to do next or change. Remember He is with you and wants to bless you in this area.
“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. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
Taking This to God in Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Word and faithfulness. Thank You for the love, consistency, guidance and wisdom found in Your Word for everything we are dealing with in our lives. Thank You for being with us as we take steps to do what You would have us do. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
May God richly bless you this week!
Bonny, Christian Women at Work
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