Do You Truly Trust God’s Love?

March 23, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16 NIV

Do you struggle to trust God completely? I know I do! What if we truly depended on God’s love as an incontrovertible fact rather than a beautiful idea that we talk about all the time, but don’t fully believe? Wouldn’t that change the way we responded to challenges?

If I rely on God’s love for me, I have no fear. What do you fear? Underlying so much of my hesitation and procrastination is fear of failure. The fear of “doing it wrong” has kept me from trying so many things. It has colored my conversation. It has driven me toward perfectionism in so many ways. It’s kind of silly, but fear of failing in front of my peers almost caused me to pass out!

I was a freshman drama major at my first drama student party. What game do drama majors love to play? You guessed it! Charades!

Drama kids are just as competitive as sports kids. Our identities are on the line if we can’t perform. We crave the approval of the audience and when the audience is other drama kids, we feel pressure to validate our existence with an excellent performance. Even when we play charades. The game was announced. I was terrified.

What Was Your Egypt?

March 16, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you!” Deuteronomy 20:1 NLT

What phrase describes all that the Lord has done for you?

God’s people had a phrase. You may not have noticed how often it is repeated. “The Lord God who brought you out of the land of Egypt…” That one phrase described so much for the Hebrew people. It summed up who they were before God delivered them, what they had lived with for 400 years, what God had done to deliver them, and how He had defeated the Egyptians without any action on their part. All they had to do was trust Moses, their leader, and obey the commands he gave to them. That phrase reminded them of how Pharaoh and his army drowned in the Red Sea after they had walked through on dry ground. It reminded them of the manna that had sustained them as God guided them through the desert by a pillar of flame and cloud. It reminded them of all that God had done in the desert as He prepared them to enter the Promised Land.

What phrase describes all that God has done for you up until now?

Invitation to Celebration

March 9, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.” Colossians 1:6 NLT

Do you ever feel like you are just crawling through life? The things you want to accomplish are still a dot on the horizon. The person you want to become is just a fuzzy image in the mirror. The minute hand seems to move at a minuscule pace a millimeter at a time. It can be discouraging.

In those moments when you feel like you aren’t growing at all and that you are going nowhere, stop for a moment. Look back and find something to celebrate. It may be a pebble compared to the boulder you still see in the way, but when you celebrate small victories, you gain perspective. You’ll see that change is actually taking place — just not at the pace you would prefer.

So, today I want to celebrate one of those pebbles. Last week I sent back a pair of glasses that I had ordered. I know, that may not seem like a lot to you. But to me, it is an indicator that I am not the person I used to be. And that, my friend, is a reason to celebrate! What might it do for you to celebrate some small victories?

Who Do You Trust?

March 2, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.” Proverbs 29:25 NLT

Whose approval do you think you need to be successful? Who are you looking to for validation and acceptance? Who are you hoping will confirm that you are everything that God says you are?

Knowing what God says and believing it are two different things. Don’t I know it? I began my Christian walk as an “expert” in what the Word said, but walking it out for myself… Well, that was a different story.

To believe is to accept as true. However, belief is not enough to transform you and me into the people that God designed us to be. Right? And transformation is our goal. We have to trust in addition to believing if transformation is to take place.

What is the difference? Accepting truth is different than living by that truth. I can believe that what God says about me is true, but when I look to the affirmation of authority figures in my life to confirm that truth I am not walking in trust.

I can’t count on the people I admire to affirm what is true as much as I would like to. I can’t count on myself to know what is true about me and act on it. The only accurate source of truth is the Word of Truth. What does it look like to trust in who the Lord says I am without looking to others to validate me?

When I trust what God says about me, I am not trapped into saying what someone else wants to hear. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like other people to be unhappy with me. That has sometimes caused me to say something less than truthful. Now, that doesn’t sound too bad, right?

Believe You Are A Blessing

February 24, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’” Acts 3:25 NIV

Does being productive make you more valuable? Of course, you know the answer is no, but do you live it? You and I know that God determined our value and settled our value by paying the price for our redemption with the death of His Son. But what we know is true doesn’t always guide how we act, does it?

There is an unspoken understanding in our culture that more and bigger is better. That our value is determined by productivity and public opinion. How does that unspoken understanding influence you?

Ask yourself:

How does a search for value influence my desire to be productive?

Why do I want to manage my time?

What drives my desire for excellence?

Who am I trying to impress?

Who do I need to validate my value?

Your value is rooted in who you are. You are valuable because God has declared you to be a blessing.

Something I hadn’t considered deeply is that God’s covenant with Abraham to bless him and make him a blessing is now God’s covenant with me. He has promised to bless me. That is awesome! If I believe that, I can rest from a lot of striving to provide for myself. But He has also promised to make me a blessing. That means my presence in the world makes a difference. I can focus on being fruitful rather than productive.

A fruitful life is a settled life. A plant is not searching for value. It just is. It does what it is designed to do. It produces fruit. I am designed to be a blessing. What I do blesses others. I contribute. I have value simply because I am His and I exist. Do I live by that promise? What difference would it make in my life and in the world if I did?

Set Goals That Focus on Faithfulness

February 17, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:16 NIV

Are you a goal-setter? I have found setting goals to be one of the best tools for growth. When I set a goal that is specific and set a target completion date, I find myself stumbling forward even if I don’t meet my goal. I’ve learned to evaluate my goals by growth rather than accomplishment. Isn’t growth what makes life meaningful? Goals challenge me to keep thinking forward and acting forward. However, achieving the goal has become less important to me as I have…matured. Why?

Alright, as I’ve gotten OLDER (the word I was avoiding) I’ve realized that faithfulness is of higher value than productive success. A faithful life is a fruitful life. And, as I’ve been recently ruminating, I’d rather be fruitful than productive and fulfilled rather than satisfied (Click the links to check out those posts.) When you and I focus on faithfulness we will be fruitful and fulfilled. Faithfulness will lead to fruitfulness. When we are fruitful we will be productive because we will produce what matters.

So, how do goals fit into focusing on fruitfulness and faithfulness? The goals you set become even more important because they become focused on fulfilling purpose and transforming character.

When I focus on faithfulness, I fulfill my purpose. How are you measuring success? By checking things off your task list? Been there. Done that! Faithful goals are not just about getting things done. Faithful goals are about fulfilling your God-ordained purpose. He created you and placed you on this planet for a specific purpose. When you align your goals with your purpose you can’t help but fulfill it over and over. Purpose is not a one-shot deal. Purpose is accomplished over time through many small decisions. Faithfulness is fruitful because it is focused on purpose. How does what you’ve accomplished fit into what you believe you were designed for?

When I focus on faithfulness, I produce the right kind of fruit. Goals are great. Truly! They add structure to scattered seasons. They can become guardrails that remind us to align with purpose if we set them with purpose in view. Purpose-aligned goals lead to fruit that lasts, in us as well as through us. Purpose-aligned goals have transformed me from a hesitant and anxious supporter to a confident and peaceful leader. Let me assure you there are still moments of hesitance and anxiety, However, when they arise, they don’t make me freeze in indecision. That frozen indecision was my default for years. The purpose-aligned goals I have set over the years have helped produce the fruit of character that God wants to build in me. Character that reflects Christ and leads to a transformed life.

When I focus on faithfulness, I become the person I am meant to be. What if you measured success by growth? Did you respond better than you did last time to that annoying person? Did you face that fearful phone call instead of avoiding it? Did you try that thing you’ve never done before so that you could take another step toward that big goal?

When I look back on the person I used to be, I am truly amazed at what God has done in me. My goals have been tools that God has used to shape the person I have become, and I am so grateful! When I say goodbye to earth and hello to eternity the results of achieving those goals will be so much clearer. What about you? How are your goals shaping you? They are, you know, whether you are aware of it or not. Why not be intentional and set goals that focus on faithfulness, fruitfulness, and growth?

Dear Friend, you are accomplishing so much more than you realize. You are becoming a more beautiful reflection of Jesus. Each small faith-filled decision is a goal achieved. You are achieving the goal of honoring your King. You are achieving the goal of loving Him above all. You are achieving the goal of loving your neighbor as yourself. And in the process, you are doing more and going farther than you think. Yes, you are!

Key Question: How do goals fit into focusing on fruitfulness?

A Scripture to Consider: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:16 NIV

A YES Challenge: Take some time to prayerfully reflect on some recent accomplishments. How has achieving those goals contributed to your growth?

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to do more than check boxes on a task list. I want to become the person You designed me to be. Help me to set purpose-aligned goals that facilitate my growth. I want to grow in Christ-like character. But I also want to do all that You designed me to do for Your honor and glory. Amen.

Don’t Settle For Satisfied.

February 10, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.” Ephesians 5:17 MSG

Are you settling for satisfied? Satisfied sounds like a good thing, and it is to a point. But is satisfied fulfilled?

Satisfied is content with the current status. Is that you? Is that enough? There was a time in my life when that was me. I was satisfied but within was an unrelenting awareness that there was more. Satisfied may seem like enough, but is it achieving all that you are meant for? I knew that I wasn’t but wasn’t sure what to do next.

Fulfillment results from doing what you were created to do. Fulfillment comes from being the best you. Fulfillment is found in divine potential. That unrelenting awareness began to dissipate as I set out to pursue my purpose and potential.

Doing what is on your task list may seem like enough. When you check off each task you may feel satisfied. I know I do! But are you fulfilled? I knew I was not.

My challenge to you, Dear Friend, is to reach for fulfillment. Don’t settle for satisfied.

Why?

What Do You Want? Productivity or Fruitfulness?

February 3, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.” Ephesians 5:17 MSG

What do you really want to accomplish with your time and how will you know when you are accomplishing it? Are you managing your time so that you are fulfilling your purpose?

Here’s a revelation for evaluating your time management. Time management is not about getting more done. Wow! How’s that for a shocker? That contradicts so much of the internet’s time management advice. So, what does it mean to manage time well?

Using time well isn’t just about being productive, it’s about being fruitful. The Industrial Revolution changed the way people think about productivity. Instead of the fruitfulness associated with an abundant harvest, as our agricultural-based society of the past viewed it, it became about doing and making more.

Fruitfulness depends on factors outside human control. It depends on factors that only God controls. Productivity is all about self-reliance and man-made options. Productivity treats people like machines that exist to make more. Fruitfulness is about fulfilling a God-designed pattern to the fullest— seed, soil, sun, rain, growth, harvest. There are few things that humans can do to control those. We can only add to what depends on the God who controls nature. Fruitfulness has to do with growth and purpose.

Know Your Purpose. Plan Your Time.

January 27, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.’ Ephesians 5:17 NLT

How often are you distracted by something that is calling your attention away from what you really want to be doing? Perhaps you are in the middle of deep work on a passion project. All the gears are clicking. The ideas are flowing. The strategy to accomplish this long-held dream is pouring out onto the page or your hands are busy creating what you see in your imagination. Then the phone rings. You hesitate for a moment and then you answer it.

The telemarketer on the other end of the phone doesn’t care that he just interrupted a moment of Spirit-inspired genius. He doesn’t care that you were in the middle of coming into the light after years in a tunnel of doubt. He is just trying to do his job, which is to convince you to buy what he is selling. An item you don’t need or want — like a new satellite TV system or gutter guards on the house that you added those to three years ago. All he cares about is selling to you and he doesn’t take no for an answer.

Finally, you realize that the only way to end this conversation will be to hang up on him. You hate the idea of that rude action, but there doesn’t appear to be another way. Your stomach is in knots. You politely tell him that you need to go and then you hang up the phone.

When you turn back to your project the gears that were clicking are still and silent. Your mind is a blank and your stomach is still in knots. All forward motion has ended. You decide that it's time to check the laundry, or some other everyday task, and walk away from your desk feeling defeated and frustrated.

Answering that call interrupted what you really wanted to be doing, what you feel called to do, and you wonder why you even answered it!

My friend, there are legitimate interruptions that have the same effect on your progress. Those are the ones you have to accept, resolve, and then do your best to get back on track after. Those interruptions are immediate and important. Like a backed-up drain that needs a plumber’s attention. I found myself in that position this week after an “aha” about what was preventing me from moving forward on a passion project. Even though I was motivated to move forward I had to stop. There was nothing else I could do about that. I didn’t have a choice about that interruption. However, you and I have control over plenty of the things we allow to interrupt us, like phone calls and text messages to name the most frequent offenders.

When you and I interrupt the important for the immediate we often squander one of our most valuable resources: TIME. What if there is a better way? Would you take it?

Know Your Purpose. Make Purposeful Decisions.

January 20, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV

Time. It happens whether you plan for it or not! Do you have a plan for how you spend your time? Part of the value of knowing your purpose is that having a definite sense of what you were created for gives you the clarity you need to make purposeful decisions about how you spend your time. When you know why God put you on Planet Earth, you know what to say YES to and what to say no to. Know yourself. Learn your purpose. Know your purpose. Make purposeful decisions.

When I keep my purpose in mind, I feel empowered to set goals and arrange my schedule to move toward those prayerfully created goals. Having a clear sense of purpose and calling has enabled me to create time management systems for myself that keep me motivated and moving forward. Sometimes it seems like the forward motion is by mere inches, but all forward motion is to be celebrated, right? If the ball crosses the goal line by inches, it still counts as a touchdown!

What is so important about knowing your purpose? Knowing your purpose helps you know how to spend your time and how you spend your time helps you to fulfill your purpose.

Knowing your purpose becomes your time compass. When you have articulated your reason for being in a clear purpose statement you have a guide to direct your time. Your tasks will change throughout the seasons of your life, but your purpose won’t. Knowing what you were made for helps narrow your options and make better choices. You’ll know which direction is north because your compass is pointing toward your purpose.

I’ll be honest. There are times when I have felt like I started out heading north and then lost my way. Keyword: FELT. Even at the times when it seemed to me that I was wandering when I looked back, I realized that I had made progress. Every forward inch matters. Encourage yourself with that.