Ministry Minute

Prayer Faith Action

By Minister Carenda Deonne

Happy New Year! Congratulations are in order as Grace has allowed you to traverse into the year 2021. For many of us, 2020 will go down in history as one of the most adversarial years ever known. We experienced a series of unconventional circumstances that began with the COVID-19 Global Pandemic that claimed the lives of countless individuals; then mid-year gave rise to Black Lives Matter movements that protested unfair social injustices within the black vs blue rivalry. Lastly, the year ended in national uproar in a relentless political rat race for the White House. To say the least, 2020 was mentally, emotionally, financially and spiritually exhausting. Nonetheless, we persisted in faith- believing and knowing that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NKJ).

Faith alone may have carried us into the new year, but is not enough to sustain us in the days to come. “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead being alone” (James 2:17 ESV). This passage of scripture suggests that faith coupled with works is necessary to sustain life. Therefore, it is imperative that we plan, set goals, and remain consistent and persistent in purposeful endeavors. Proverbs 10:4 teaches that “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” In order to bring about change in situations and circumstances you must remain diligent and disciplined in prayer, faith, and works.

Prayer offers an opportunity to exchange information with God. When we consult with Him, He will in turn give us remedies and strategies through thoughts, ideas, or spoken words through others. Faith believes in the God we commune with and trust in the information that he provides. If we trust in God and the information, then we will put that information into action for a victorious expected end.

Oftentimes we allow our feelings to dictate our actions. When there is a lack of disciple or self-control in our work systems we habitually avoid tasks by putting them off for a later time (procrastination). The problem with that is we could possibly forfeit “blessings”, peace, or personal gain. In addition we affectively forecast or predict how we will feel in the future. If there were a chief lesson to be learned from year 2020 it would be “don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today”; tomorrow may not be only a day away. In others words, there is no guarantee that tomorrow is available to you.

Procrastination produces a cycle of repeated defective behavior that robs you of precious time and hinders growth; which, in turn, leads to debilitation, frustration, and stagnation. It stifles creative processes which causes a decrease in productivity. Procrastination is an emotional regulation problem that is a result of negative thinking. To experience growth on any level, whether it be physical, mental, financial or spiritual we must self-analyze/self-examine and correct thought patterns not conducive to the anticipated trajectory of our lives.

The freshness of a new year has afforded an opportunity to begin again. So, make time to self- evaluate, devise a plan, and set attainable goals. Be diligent in prayer, in faith, and in action to achieve your desired destiny.