It's Day 7 of 21 Days of Prayer.

One of the most challenging aspects of achieving your goals is the old "when-then syndrome". You know it well. One day, when I have a better relationship, then I'll be happy. One day, when I get this, then I'll do that. One day, when I make more money, then I'll be more giving. One day, when people show me more respect, then I'll practice kindness to others. One day, when things get better in my life, then I'll be happy. On and on it goes but nothing really changes.

To break out of the When-Then Syndrome, we must choose to turn our "when" into "now". Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." We are not told tomorrow is the day. We are told today is the day ~ this day, this moment.

If you turn your "when" into "now", you guarantee yourself a meaningful life. And a life lived with meaning is intentional. No more good intentions, no more unfulfilled promises and no more resolutions that have to be re-written because they were never completed.

When you stop thinking about when things will change and start intentionally changing now, life becomes an adventure filled with joy and satisfaction. You'll experience that sense of completion that makes you ready to move to the next stage of personal and professional growth.

Setting your focus on the future is necessary, but you can't live in the future and neglect the present. Set you goals, make your plans but remember, no matter where you are in life, make sure you are all there. Plan for the future but live in the moment.

"He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap." Ecclesiastes 11:4

In other words, if you wait for perfect or ideal conditions, you'll never get anything done. But 2018 can be different. Do the part you can do and let God do the part you cannot do. That's what the scriptures is talking about when it says, "...faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). Look at God's Word, believe His promises and then take action. That's how you walk by faith and not by sight.

Let's Pray!

Lord of Heaven and Earth, today I break free from the When-Then Syndrome. No longer will I wait for ideal conditions. Instead I trust in Your word that tells me I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I believe things will get better but I will not linger, waiting for things to magically appear. I will put feet to my faith, making the effort to move forward with the skill and ability that You have given to me.

The promises You have made to me, are real and I accept the challenge to take action based on what you have spoken.

Today is the day of salvation.

Today is the day of deliverance, safety and provision.

Today is the day that I will not allow myself to be distracted.

Please guide me, correct me, shape and strengthen me. This is the hour that I take back the life You preserved for those who love and seek You.

From this day forward, my plans and goals in 2018 are in Your hands. In Jesus's name, Amen!

Inspiring Hope and Seasoning Faith, Pastor Sean