4:340 – Overcoming Inertia

#faithbites #faithjourney inertia

Setting

Come January 1, I’m going to eat right, exercise, and get in shape. January 1 comes….I’m tired or I have things to do. Does this sound like you? Do you have something similar? I was talking to a friend who was looking at moving and getting a new job. They had everything ready to go (resume, cover, letter, references) but hitting that apply button was almost too hard to do. Because it had a sense of the unknown, a sense of fear. Just like exercising or a hundred other things. We think they are hard and we can’t overcome that inertia to get started, but once we do, it seems to work out.

Inertia is the tendency to remain in a fixed position or condition. A body in motion tends to stay in motion. A body at rest tends to stay at rest. The law of inertia applies not only to physical movement but spiritual, financial, and emotional.

Today’s Questions: Are you stuck waiting because you can’t overcome inertia? How do God and our faith play into overcoming inertia?

Scripture

• James 1:23-25 – For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
• Colossians 3:23-24 – Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
• Psalm 121:8 – the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Reflection

Today we will start with the new testament and end with the old testament. I know, I’m spicing it up. I’m overcoming the inertia to do things like we always do. In James and Colossians, we see that we should be doers of the word. Yes, we know salvation is by faith and not by works. Our works help us grow the kingdom, be more Christ-like, and follow the plans that God has made for us. (Jeremiah 29:11). Even though we know that getting started is hard. Taking that first step seems like it takes an act of God. Here’s the trick, it does, and he gives it freely. When we look at Psalm 121:8, it was the Lord’s will, not he might or may, but he will watch over you. It says he will watch over your coming and going, not just one or the other or when you are seated. He has all the activities covered. Then he brings it home, with now and forevermore. God has your back. He will give you the strength and energy to do anything both now and forevermore. For nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37).

As we close, know that it may seem hard to take that first step, but remember God has plans for you and he will watch over you every step of the way. You can’t lose!

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for loving us always. Your word is clear and it should be easy for us to overcome inertia. We ask and pray that you help us to listen to your Word and take it into action. Let us be doers and overcomers of anything that prevents us from moving forward. You have your will, way, and timing in all things. Let us know when to be still and when to act. When it’s time to act, we pray that we hear your voice strong in our heads and hearts, and act. In your name, we pray, amen.