Paralysis of Analysis
Posted on June 29, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:16
For some of us, it doesn’t take much to bring everything to a halt and become confused and paralyzed when it comes to making a decision. I once worked for a guy whose motto was “do something, even if it’s wrong.” I wouldn’t suggest that as a motto, but it does make a point.
Restrictions, limitations, how do you handle those things that seem to keep you from doing what you want to do? I remember a toy truck I had as a kid that would be able to sense a ledge or a wall and immediately turn around and go the other way. That truck would run until the batteries wore out because anytime it met an obstacle it would change course and keep moving.
We were discussing as a Men’s group how we interpret the will of God in our lives; how do you know what God wants you to do? Of course the discussion went in many different ways and our conclusions were merely suggestions, because, I believe it is a life long journey and there is no easy answer. But it sure makes you think. Someone said jokingly, “I have enough trouble trying to figure out what my wife wants let alone God”.
My thoughts were lead to Ephesians 5 where it sums up our process and gives us a direction to move towards. It starts off by saying, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma”. There is a sanctification process that continues to conform us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). The life of Jesus was a selfless life, always doing the will of the Father. So, if you trying to decipher the will of God in your life, some of the questions you might ask yourself are, “what are my motivations” or “will this bring glory to God?”
I have to believe when my motives are pure and my actions are not selfish, I can move forward until I am faced with this idea of a symbolic door. This door apparently opens and closes, and if you’re like me, you’ve had some that slammed shut. Unlike my toy truck, when hitting an obstacle, there’s a time for sitting still but don’t grow roots.
The pattern continues in Ephesians 5, “Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” One of my favorite Bible characters is Nehemiah, he spent time in prayer but when the opportunity arose (open door), he moved in. He also didn’t allow “unfruitful works” to distract him from what God called him to do.
So, spend some time in Ephesians 5, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Amen!
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.
The Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 5-6| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “Don’t let obstacles along the road to eternity shake your confidence in God’s promise. The Holy Spirit is God’s seal that you will arrive.” – David Jeremiah
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
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