By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Knowing When to Push

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking the SoundCloud link.

I like things to go my way. In the past, this mindset worked pretty well when I was in sales and marketing. As I’ve grown closer to Jesus, the hustle mindset is not as attractive as it used to be. Though I’m able to rest and not strive, it’s a struggle at times for me not to insert the idea of pushing harder with my children. I want them to push to get what they want. It’s times like this I have to intentionally stop, breathe, and lay my expectations at the cross.

One of my children, in particular, is very gifted at sports. In fact, he is playing sports in college. He knows God intimately and with that relationship he has with God comes the contentment to rest in Him in his activities as he continues to achieve at the highest level. The odd thing is, it works for him to perform in this way. He continues to rise above the other athletes he competes against and, the best part, he has been able to do this with very little striving and selfish ambition. Through this, my son has modeled for me a different way to achieve and ultimately, draw others to Christ while competing.

So, how do we change our “hustle” mindset?

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. Psalm 23:1-2 English Standard Version

“…to such an extent that they even carried their sick out into the streets and put them on cots and sleeping pads, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on one of them [with healing power].
Acts 5:15 Amplified Version

Peter’s shadow is one example of the life-giving force of the Holy Spirit in us. It changes everything.

If you are like me and get caught up in the pushing of the world, just stop and lay down in the pasture that God has provided.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado