EFFORT

"In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge."  2 Peter 1:5

In my search for wisdom and knowledge I was reminded that it all takes a lot of effort. When I heard the Lord say effort I became stuck on that word.

How much effort am I putting into my relationship with Jesus and others? Again, Miss "ME" pops up and says, “put effort into me."

                                       

This time I was able to laugh at her, because she is crazy. I knew what the Lord was telling me. Searching for more of Him requires EFFORT! 

It requires more than a quick reading. It requires more than 5 minutes of prayer. It requires more listening and less talking. It requires more than just Sunday attendance. 

It requires dedication, follow-through, focus, investment, and desire. It requires less attention on me and more attention on Christ and His Word. It requires obedience.

Effort is required in everything; Jesus has reminded me of that lately.

Jesus speaks of effort in the book of Matthew.

“Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.” Matthew 7:7-8

I am learning the difference between human effort, and effort done in the Spirit. For example, love. When I try to love in human effort, I come up way short every time. I even become worn out, grumpy, and fickle.

Yes love takes effort, but when done with the help of the Holy Spirit…so much easier.

I am learning to put a lot more effort into my relationship with Christ and that effort is worth it.

Do you have some areas that need more of your effort? Maybe your relationship with Christ, your prayer life, your marriage, friendships, maybe Christ has called you to lead out in an area of the Church or Bible Study and He is asking you to put more effort in it for Him.

Whatever it may be, Jesus is worth our best effort and He will help us. He knows we can’t do it on our own.

Jesus forgive me for my lack of effort in the things that are most important and especially for trying to do things in my own human effort. I am unable to do anything without You. Help me as I focus on this area You have called me to work on. Amen