"R" is for Results
"I don't care! I'm taking that job!"
I was frustrated and tired of balancing a tight budget of a 1-income household.
I was missing my more glamorous career as the head of my own product design agency (which I had let go, as a mom of three very young boys below the age of 5).
I was chafing at the lack of adult interaction, the endless diapers, the 24 hour mom patrolling, refereeing fights, cleaning up messes, and lack of privacy moments ("Mama, knock, knock, what you doing in the bathroom???")
I was uncertain of how good or effective I was as a mother, with my lack of experience and mentors.
I impetuously decided to go back to a full-time career and leave this hands-on mommy role behind.
My hubby Joey, calmly replied, "Sweetie, just pray and ask God what you should do. If you know this is what He has called you to do in this season, then go for it."
I hate advice like that! But I need it. Because it forces me to make decisions from a spiritual perspective instead of merely from an emotional reaction or need.
So I went to a quiet room and prayed, "Father, this is what I feel...This is what we need. But not my will, but Your will be done."
It was in the early years of my marriage and parenting, that the seeds of praying the C.O.R.E. way was planted.
My C.O.R.E way of Praying is based on the book of Genesis 1.
The same God who so efficiently and effectively created the world in Genesis, is the same God I call on to CREATE MY DAY.
The C.O.R.E. prayer starts with an admission: I NEED GOD IN MY LIFE.
It's not a prayer because I need things. Or I need answers.
Or I need healing. But I need God.
My C.O.R.E. Prayer is an acknowledgement that I need the God who created the universe, to create my day. I need Jesus, the Savior of my Soul today.
C.O.R.E. Prayer starts with:
C- for CLARITY. "Lord, give me CLARITY in this situation."
"Just like You created the world and the first thing You commanded was: Let there be Light."
"Give me clear eyes to see and make decisions from your point-of-view."
There is nothing like reading God's word to give you clear directions for your life. You can read more about CLARITY here>
O - is for ORDER. "Lord, ORDER my steps today."
"Just like in Genesis, when You knew what to do from day to day.
Give me godly priorities. Help me discern what needs my attention today (IMPORTANT) from the seemingly urgent but not important matters that can wait another day."
You can read more about ORDER here >
R- is for RESULTS.
But not just any results. I want Godly results.
I love how God created the world, day-by-day, step-by-step. I particularly am touched by how God, took the time at the end of each day to assess his results and say "It was good."
I studied these verses in Genesis 1:
3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good.
9 And God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear." And it was so. 10 God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
It hit me like a thunderstorm, that whatever God makes is good!
His plans for me are good. His timing is good.
The relationships He gives me are good.
His lessons are for my good. His intentions are all good!
If I allow God to create my day, my life; if my decision-making is based on obeying his word and his values, I can live a meaningful and purposeful life with no regrets.
1) Decide that you want Godly Results.
Base your decision making on what pleases the Lord.
What is God saying you should do, in this season of your life?
It varies from person-to-person.
For one friend of mine, it meant going to Kenya.
For another, it meant juggling 2 careers.
For me, His directions were STAY. I will teach you how to parent your 3 sons.
It was a decision I never regretted. Did I feel unable? Yes. But God is able.
2) GOD HAS YOU COVERED.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
Ephesians 2:10 says, You don't have to wander through life, wondering if you are doing the right thing. God has good works for you to do.
Why not ask Him today?
The results you experience, may not be what you expect. It may be unpopular with the world's expectations. But oh, the peace and the strength that comes, and the blessing you become to others, when you put your life in the center of His perfect will.
C-Clarity O-Order R-Results E- ?
Thanks for reading this far.
See you next Thursday for "E" : )
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