Commitment! This is a word that packs a punch! It is a word that has brought me moments of joyful bliss and led to painful experiences as well. What does commitment mean? At the beginning of the year I shared that instead of writing down a bunch of New year’s resolutions, I was going to seek God’s direction. I prayed for weeks asking Him to give me a word for 2016 and the word He gave me was “COMMIT”. I did not completely understand how just one word would make an impact this year but I wanted to trust Him. Besides it much easier to remember than a notebook paper filled with chicken scratch of my goals and resolutions.
So here we are; almost a quarter through the year and I now understand the need for this word! However, before I get into that, let me share with you the “clinical” definition for the word commitment.
COMMITMENT: noun
1. the act of committing.
2. the state of being committed.
3. the act of committing, pledging, or engaging oneself.
4. a pledge or promise; obligation: ex. We have made a commitment to pay our bills on time.
These factual definitions are fine in a “literal” sense but for myself it was all about my spiritual commitment! My commitment to Christ and trusting the word He revealed to me last December. I absolutely love this verse from Psalms 37!
So how am I committing everything to Him and trusting God? I want to share with you 5 things God has revealed to me on how to stay strong in my commitment to Him. It is my prayer that they are helpful to you as we seek to honor Christ in everything we do.
Committing my Time to God by spending time reading, studying, and memorizing His word. “Your word have I hid in mine heart ;that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalms 119:11) Turning off my electronics and muting my smartphone allows me to listen to the words and wisdom God is wanting to instill in me! I do not feel completely prepared for the day without spending time in my Bible. I continue to learn so much not only about God but about myself too. Areas of my life I need to focus on or how I can glorify Christ through my words. It is such a blessing to hear God’s whispers of love and direction as I quiet myself to pray with Him.
Commitment to my Health. Remembering as a Christian that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. God wants me to do my part in taking care of my health. Proper rest and nutrition, and understanding how what I put in my body now will affect me going forward. Also listening to my doctors and especially keeping my appointments is such a scary thing for me. If you read the story I shared about a
Parent’s Unconditional Love, you can see where it all began!
My fear of hospitals and doctors is real and has been heightened since all the frightening occurrences during my stroke recovery. The life-like nightmares in the hospital, the unimaginable pain, and the never ending physical therapy. In fact, just this week I’m dealing with a health scare related to my stroke that might have been avoided if I had not let my fears continue to rule me! I need to remember that my loving Savior has brought me through every one of those experiences and now I’m here to testify!
For God hath not given you a spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7.Committing to Completing things I’ve started. Whether it be a new set of therapy exercises, a brand new book from a favorite author, or maybe some classes/training to improve my writing and this blog. I know that God is transforming my heart every day and in serving Him I need to do everything as unto Him. ” And whatsoever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men.” Colossians 3:23. I started writing here because I wanted to make a difference by sharing my story of God’s transformation.
There is so much information out there claiming to help bloggers that it can sometimes be overwhelming. Asking God to help me remember my “why” as I continue doing His will, working hard and honing my craft. He will be glorified when I honor Him. I ask Him for wisdom when opportunities arise and it helps me stay focused on accomplishing a project or training I’ve started.
Commitment to a Bible-believing Church. I have been in church it seems like most of my life but I will admit not always for the right reasons. As a toddler, I was carried there and as a teenager I was usually dragged there! When I got older, there was usually a lady that I liked and we would go to church together but I was not “committed” to being nurtured and encouraging other saints.
During my stroke recovery, I realized just how much I needed to be around other believers that loved Christ. There were others that had stories of God’s love and redemption too. I’ve learned so much hearing the word of God taught especially at this church. (I’ve been attending with my sister’s family off and on since I moved last year.)
The Holy Spirit has been whispering to my heart that I need to commit and so last Sunday I asked the assistant Pastor about joining the church. I gave him an overview of my testimony and we will meet again soon to talk in more detail. I am excited to see how I can utilize my spiritual gifts to serve God and others!
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly.” Romans 12:6.
I’m not really sure of my spiritual gifts but I think it may be exhortation or encouragement. I don’t think I’ll serve in the choir even though my sister sings like a mockingbird in Spring. I on the other hand and am the epitome of “making a joyful noise.” (Psalms 100:1)
Committing to sharing the Fruit of the Spirit that resides in me. I must say that this last one has impacted me in such a transforming manner that I just want to shout! For so long I had struggled with so many of the fruits mentioned with patience at the top of the charts! I’ve heard the saying that your greatest strength can also be your greatest weakness. Being more dependent on others, asking for help, and then having to wait for that help has sometimes been a test beyond what I thought I could handle. So a couple months ago I decided to memorize the fruit of the Spirit passage. I am proud and thankful that God has helped me in memorizing this life altering verse.
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22
During the stressful times of anxiety, I can feel God’s indescribable peace instead of fear and frustration. I have the spirit of self-control when making decisions that might hurt myself or others. It’s my prayer that people will see Christ in me as I show His kindness and gentleness. God will give the strength to be faithful in everything He asks me to do. This is what spiritual commitment is all about! So as we venture forward into the 2nd quarter of the year; let’s stay committed to the word or words God has revealed specifically for us. Whether it be “wonder”, “believe”, “surrender”, “peace”,”hope”, “joy”, “fearless”, “trust”, “overcome”, “abide”, “rest”, “steadfast”, “enough”, “overflow”, or maybe even “COMMIT”.
In closing, I would like to say a prayer for anyone who reads this and has goals and plans they feel God is leading them to accomplish.
Thank you father for giving us direction and softening our hearts to hear your voice. We know that the enemy is busy Father God. He is trying to distract, discourage, and destroy but the HOLY SPIRIT lives within us to accomplish the great things you have planned for and prepared for us. May we grow strong in our commitment to serve you Lord as we give you all the glory in your precious son Jesus name…AMEN.”
Please share in the comments your word or words for 2016 and the reason you feel God gave you that revelation. We still have 8 months of spiritual growing to accomplish this year as the Lord wills. Stay committed, be encouraged, and let God subdue all your fears as you seek to live for Him!
Blessings,
Horace Williams Jr is the oldest son of a pastor who went to be with Jesus in 2020. He is an award-winning author and amateur chef who loves Jesus Christ. His passion for Christ inspires readers to draw nearer to the God who loves them.
Hi Horace,
These are such great commitments to make. I’m so sorry about your recent health issue. I’m so sorry for all the pain you’ve experienced! I pray that God will direct and guide you…and lead you to those fearless places, safe in Him. Praying for you!
Thank you for the visit and the kind words Valerie! I am glad that I just found your comment in my spam:) Yes…I am learning each day to put my faith and trust in my Savior to help me with my fears. I’m also getting better with the doctors asking God to give them guidance in my treatment. Thank you again for visiting. You are welcome back anytime. Have a wonderful week and may God richly bless you and yours!
Well God used you today in your commitment to follow him.
My word for 2016 is fearless. Why, well God has been calling me to make a few moves in my life. Everytime I try to move, there has been a stumbling block that then leads to fear. I know that God hasn’t called me to fear, He had called me to be fearless. Praise God I have seen progress. But that block is still there, so I pray for peace and open doors.
Thank you Ona and thanks for the visit! I really like the word that God gave you! I know what you mean about stumbling blocks but I believe in God’s strength; you will overcome and be successful in whatever He has asked you to do. Have a blessed week and I hope you visit again. May God bless you and yours in all your endeavors!
I spent waaaay too many years afraid. So thankful God repeatedly demonstrated His faithfulness when life seemed impossible. He truly is greater than my circumstances and today He is great than my fears. Blessings to you!
Amen Deb! I am learning to trust God completely as I walk through the shadows! Thank you for the visit and may God continue to richly bless you and yours!
Hi Horace,
2 Timothy 1:7 – The verse that began my life transformation. My fear? Anything that involved displeasing others. Rejection terrified me. But God has taken all that and transformed it. The enemy surely likes to tempt me with it, but my God is stronger and as soon as I’m beginning sense the familiarity of those feelings, I speak truth out loud and send the enemy on his way.
My heart is with you, friend. I don’t have a fear of the medical world, but I know how frustrating, time consuming, and daunting it can be. For a long while I fought the amount of time I had to spend there with my daughter. Then my own health crumbled again and I spend even more time in there. I realized that God may have given me this route so that I can minister to the hearts I encounter. So now when I go, I am on the lookout for anyone needing encouragement. It makes the appointment feel more like a mission than something I haaaaaave to do 🙂
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
BTW – On May 2nd I am going to dive in and start a new link-up, Moments of Hope. I would love to see you there. Your posts are always filled with so much hope!
Amen Lori! Thank you for your comment and the kind words. I love the verse in 2 Timothy.. what powerful verse to ward of fear! Yes…I am learning the power of speaking God’s word out loud. What great reminder of His presence. God comforts us as we go through those trials so we can comfort others from the heart when needed!”Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 Thank you for the invite for your new link-up…I look forward to sharing there. What a great way to start the week…with HOPE! Blessings to you and yours Lori
Horace, I love these 5 commitments: Time, health, completing things I’ve started, a Bible-believing church, and sharing the fruit of the Spirit. I think the third one is where I struggle the most. With so many good things out there, I struggle to keep my focus on the best things. Thank you, friend, for reminding me it is God who I am serving and it is for His glory that I do what I do.
Sweet blessings to you, friend. : )
Thank you for the visit Crystal and your sincere comment. I agree…it is easy to get pulled in so many different directions. It is in those times that I need to seek God more than ever asking for His wisdom. I love the verse in Proverbs 16 I believe “Man plans His ways but God directs his steps.” He knows our heart and when we seek Him He will direct our paths. Thank you for your genuine encouragement and the opportunity to share at Intentionally Pursuing. You have definitely been a blessing to me. Have a wonderful weekend and blessings to you and yours as well!
Horace, This was such a beautifully written, heartfelt post delivered with such humility.
I can appreciate so much your fear of doctors and hospitals because I have the same problem. My blood pressure goes astronomically high just going to the doctor. Thankfully, I have been checked thoroughly and do not have sustained hypertension, but have a true diagnosis of “white coat syndrome”. It has been a very difficult fear for me to overcome, and one that I haven’t as of yet. But I have come to realize where my flesh is weak, the Lord understands, because He always redeems, even that fear, and shows me His strength, EXACTLY when I need it, not a moment before. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:33
My husband had a stroke. I can certainly understand your fears in that regard. Praying you feel God’s courage, peace and healing as you continue to recover from your stroke.
I loved all your insights into ways we can stay committed.
Blessings to you.
Thank you Karen for the kind words and thank you for sharing a little bit about yourself here. I am thankful that God gave me the words for this post. Yes…I completely understand the hypertension when visiting the doctor. At some visits they take my pressure not only before but after the consultation because usually my pressure has dropped significantly. It was however the main ingredient that led to my stroke initially. It is much better now with healthier eating and medication. I strive to seek God’s wisdom and direction in everything I do. I am blessed each day that He allows me to see.Thank you so much for your prayers. May God richly bless you and yours. Have a fantastic weekend!
Wonderful post Horace. Your word indeed packs a powerful punch! Committing to Complete Things I’ve Started really hits home for me. I haven’t made a New Year’s resolution in years because I never followed through with them. I finally stopped making them when I realized I was setting myself up to fail.
Last year the Lord gave me the word Silence. I have to admit I didn’t like my word at first, but as I studied the word I discovered that God was reminding me to “Come into His presence and be still.” I had been going, going, going and God wanted me to slow down and spend time listening to what He had to say.
Thanks for the encouragement to stay committed and keep going!
Thank you Kelly for the visit and the kind words.. I really like the word that God gave you and the meaning behind it. “Being still” is definitely a hard thing to do at times for sure. It seems like when I think have total quiet, the enemy tries to distract me but each day I’m getting better (still wok in progress;) Thanks again for the visit. I’m so glad you were encouraged. Have a wonderful weekend and may you continue to hear from God during your time with Him! Blessings.
Horace, this is wonderful! I am working on being committed to being faithful in all I do and keeping my faith in the Lord. Faithful is my word for the year. Through it all – good and bad, God has been faithful to me. Keeping my faith in Him is eye opening. I’ve been studying the chapters and verses on God’s faithfulness. He has done so much I can’t not keep my faith in Him. Thank you for this encouragement on being committed and for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.
Thank you Lori! I wanted to offer some encouragement to those who read and remind them to stay committed regardless of the circumstances that swirl around us. Thank you for the opportunity to share my friend. Have a wonderful weekend and blessings to you and yours!
What a wonderful post and such an important reminder. I love your prayer at the end too. I feel like I’m seeking God’s plans for my life. I know He has a plan… I’m just so unsure. Maybe I’m in a season of waiting and growth in my relationship with Him.
Commitment is a fabulous word to study in the scriptures too.
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely evening.
So nice to hear from you Jennifer. i truly appreciate your sincere comment and the kind words. I believe a lot of Christians are seeking God’s will for their lives and at times we feel like we are “waiting”. When we seek God in His word and prayer; He will give us that direction. God wants us to obey Him and glorify Him in our lives so that others will come to know Christ as their Savior. I mentioned to someone just last week what it says in Proverbs 16:9. “The mind of a man plans his way but God directs His steps.” As you seek to do is will; continue to do what He has laid on your heart and He will give you direction! Thank you for the opportunity to share at Shine Blog Hop. (your visit was a blessing today…such a nice surprise:) Have a wonderful week and may God bless you and yours!
Psalm 37:5 is one that God has been writing on my heart a lot lately. I’ve committed myself to something out of necessity, but it’s not necessarily the best use of my time. My gifts are being used, but it’s sheer torture and I need God’s help not to quit! But – God keeps reminding me to commit my ways to Him. That in all things, if I work unto Him, He can be glorified. Thanks for sharing your commitment with us, Horace – so many of them are vital. Praying for your continued health and that God replaces those fears with confidence in His good plans.
Amen Tiffany! I can so relate to what you are saying. I have been praying today about a commitment I made asking God for wisdom so I don’t spread myself too thin and not be excellent in my commitments. I am seeking focus and direction from Him. I know He will clarify things for me as I seek to glorify Christ. Thanks for visiting and have a blessed week!