Check your stress level. Have your plans and deadlines taken precedence over God’s purposes for your life?

What does it take for you to keep up with your schedule? How much energy and effort is required for you to effectively and efficiently pursue success? Just how much would your work day be thrown off by disrupted Internet or phone service?

Is there any wiggle room built into your schedule or personal stress meter to allow for the changes of life that seem to have no consideration of your well crafted to-do list?

Paul was literally a man on a mission. He traveled by foot, beast and boat to systematically plant churches throughout the Greek speaking world. His urgency and focus enabled the good news to permeate the culture of the Gentiles.

Then, everything changed. Paul encountered the ultimate distraction–jail time. Paul lost all freedom to continue his travels and missionary journeys. Enough of a career challenge to debilitate even the most determined of leaders. However, Paul overcame the limitations and frustrations of his circumstance with an eternal and godly perspective.

He understood that God was in control, and that God’s plan took priority over his own. Paul made the most of his chains and introduced the gospel to all he encountered in the palace and thus encouraged so many others to be bold in sharing their faith as well.

“I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel.” (Philippians 1:12-14, NIV).

Check your stress level. Have your plans and deadlines taken precedence over God’s purposes for your life? Pray that God would help to spiritually and mentally prepare you for the changes life is sure to bring.

Written by Karen McGuire