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Faith

We like to have control. We like to know what is coming next or how we can get from here to there. However, faith requires that we trust that God is in control; that he knows what he is doing. He knows how to get us from here to there better than we do.

Pray with heart, and trust that God hears you. God hears your genuine prayers, pray with a heart inclined to faith in God.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. -- Hebrews 11:6 NIV

It is important to have a correct perception of God. He is love. He is just. Believe that he is a rewarder of those who seek him in truth. Have faith in that. If you seek him earnestly, he will take care of the rest if you have faith in his goodness and his Word.

Plans

Trusting in your plans, even plans for serving God, there is a danger to make a fantasy that is tainted with arrogance. Bring all visions, dreams and plans humbly to God, submitting your own will to him with faith that his plans are better.

Priorities

God > People > Experiences > Possessions

Value things that have everlasting meaning. Keep things that are temporary in their rightful place. We all have a tendency to assign so much importance to things that are bound for the trash. Even things that won't outlast us.

Some have realized this and say they prioritize memories. At least this is better than things, especially when we have good experiences and form good memories with those we love. But, even memories fade and when we are gone, they don't mean anything unless we leave those memories behind with our loved ones.

Then people focus on legacy; on leaving the world a better place when we leave. Legacy can sometimes be for a focus on Ego and Self. But, it can focus on other people, which is good. To have impacted and helped those in need. To ease people's burdens and lift their hearts. These are things worthy of focusing on; and necessary to love people. Even so, without Jesus in the legacy, it too will fade and disappear.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. -- Matthew 6:33 NIV

What really matters is storing up treasure in heaven which does not fade nor disappear; to engage in and support the work of the Kingdom.

There is nothing wrong with some possessions, experiences and memories, or leaving behind a legacy. Except when we put them in the wrong order. Isn't strange that we tend to put things in the exact opposite order to their meaningfulness?

When we really look at what we spend our time, effort and money on, it often looks like: Possession > Experience > People > God

Do you remember a time when you really wanted something? A gadget or a car? A vacation, maybe? Or, a pair of shoes? Something for a hobby? And the thoughts about it consumed you. Almost any empty moment you spend researching it, and imagining how much better life might be to possess it. Maybe you set aside money and saved or considered applying for credit. For a short period of your life that thing became #1.

Are you seeking out God with that much devotion? After all the things of the Lord are everlasting; the most important things. But, every worldly thing or experience that you've desired like that will not last.

Distractions

Sometimes when worshiping, praying, or seeking God, I encounter distractions: things I want, hobbies, worries, insecurity, etc; both good and bad things. The enemy will put those distractions in-front of you to interrupt your time with the Lord. This is an opportunity to realize the things that aren't in the right order, and to put them right immediately.

God sees our distractions. And, I don't think their existence is so much a problem, depending on what they are. It is, however, up to us to recognize what is happening and using our faith to fix it.