Continuous Breakthrough: CLARIFY
The Third Step of Continuous Breakthrough: CLARIFY!
Life can be confusing, which often makes us frustrated. Frustration occurs when our expectations are not met. We expect things from ourselves, from our family, from our team, and from our supervisor; even from God. Getting clarity brings about confidence and even a greater sense of peace.
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 ESV
I believe a mark of a disciple of Jesus is one who hears the voice of the Lord and responds in obedience. How can we step forward in obedience if we are confused? Confused about God’s character (who He is)? Confused about how to respond in certain situations? Confused about how to lead those we are serving? Confused about what to think, how to feel, and what to do.
Continuous Breakthrough began with a moment of celebration, acknowledging how incredible God is, what we are thankful for, how God’s kingdom has broken through into our life, and all the other kingdom-wins we can think of. We then stepped into a practice of confession, getting off our chest all the ways we are struggling. It may be sin, it is likely any area of life in which we are struggling, it may also be a confession of Faith; an act of acknowledging that God is God and we are not.
This third C of CLARIFY, is where we get to allow the Lord and others the opportunity to speak into our lives. To speak into the confusion that often exists. To inspire us, to challenge us, to correct us, to gain wisdom, and acknowledge out unmet expectations. Overwhelm often sneaks up on us and is coupled with frustration. It’s important to remember the correlation between clarity and overwhelm:
“When clarity goes up, overwhelm goes down.” - Alan Briggs, Founder at Stay Forth Designs
See below for questions to ask yourself and others, a spiritual practice, and additional scripture.
The Third C of Continuous Breakthrough: CLARIFY
QUESTIONS - Here are a few questions to ask yourself when starting with the third C:
What’s confusing right now spiritually? Relationally? Physically? Intellectually? Financially?
What is the Lord saying to me in these areas?
Where do I have unmet expectations in these areas?
With whom do I need to ask clarifying questions? God? My spouse? My boss? My team?
Allow God is speak his love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness over you.
Moving onto clarify from confess and celebrate will bring clarity, comfort, peace, confidence, and reduce overwhelm. Don’t allow the muddiness of confusion hi-jack you and lead you down a path of stalling and frustration. Humble yourself and seek clarity.
PRACTICE - Tools and practice to adopt:
PRAY/LISTEN: Ask the Lord what to do, what to say, and how to feel. Listen for His voice and abide in His Word. Be still. Listen. A great question I ask daily is: “Lord, what is mine to do today?”
ASK: Make it a habit of asking for clarity. Don’t leave a meeting if you are unclear on expectations. Don’t assume. Don’t give in to the pressure of feeling like you need to figure it out on your own. You will waste time struggling with uncertainty. You will stall.
IMMANUEL JOURNALING: Write a dialogue between you and God. Include your celebrations, your confessions, and ask Him for clarity. Listen to what He might be saying to you; write that down. Remember, God’s kindness is what leads us to repentance. He loves you. He is good. He is patient and kind. He is forgiving and full of grace and mercy.
SCRIPTURE:
1 Corinthians 14:33 - “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” ESV
John 10:27 - “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” ESV
As we relentlessly pursue CLARITY you will begin to know what your right next steps are, you will be more confident in the decisions you needs to make, you will also begin to have a filter for what you say yes or no to. This brings about a greater life of freedom.
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Cheers to a Healthier Week! - JASON
