Procrastination
by David Cross
I can’t resist saying that I’ve been putting off writing this Seed for several days now. The issue of regularly not getting on with a task, or with decision making, can be a lifestyle of wrongful control or laziness (Proverbs 24:30-34), but it can also be a coping mechanism, rooted in the fear of expected painful consequences from making a wrong choice.
It’s sometimes right to postpone a decision while awaiting further information, or a clearer direction from the Lord. However, previous bad experiences of condemnation or ridicule, for example, when we’ve sought to choose a right pathway for ourselves or for others, can be an opening to an underlying fear which controls our ability to make choices today. Such a place of fear can give licence to the enemy to drive procrastination. Jesus made clear choices at the right time, as He walked in harmony with His Father.
‘Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, “Father, save Me from this hour?” But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father glorify Your name’ (John 12:27-28a).
As we deal with the wounds of the past and let the Holy Spirit restore our courage in the decision making process, we can, with increasing confidence, be men and women who respond to the issues of life in a timely way.
Prayer: Lord, I choose to make decisions and to act, not controlled by fear, but by the guiding of Your Spirit. I ask You to cleanse me from the unhealed wounds that have made this choice difficult. Amen.
David Cross David is part of the Executive Leadership of Ellel Ministries, with particular responsibility for the Ellel centres in Western Europe. He is married to Denise and they have three grown up children and eight grandchildren. David has been a civil engineer and ski-touring instructor in the Highlands of Scotland. He is passionate about the teaching and practice of the healing and deliverance ministry of Jesus and has written several books: Soul Ties, Trapped by Control, God’s Covering, The Dangers of Alternative Ways to Healing(co-authored with John Berry), an A to Z Guide to the Healing Ministry, What`s Wrong with Human Rights? and, most recently, God`s Way out of Depression. You can follow a daily thought from David on Twitter: @dmcross62
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