GET ME OUT

I want to get out of…?  Fill in the blank. Let’s face it, a new year brings about a concept of change. There are vows of getting out of noxious relationships, damaging debts, addictive habits, non-fulfilling jobs or stagnant locations. There are thousands of books on self-help: 10 steps to accomplish this…; 5 steps in achieving that… These books are written by authors who have accomplished their goals, and want to share their triumphs with you, so you can partake and receive success. I am not discrediting those books or to suggest not to read them. My goal is to present a 10-step plan to get out of anything that you are in: debt, obesity, addictions or pursuing a peace of mind. It sounds like that is a tall order. The ultimate author is God. And, the process is not in man, it’s about God and His gift of grace.

The selling point, this process is free. Most people have a Bible in their home, if not, buy or borrow one. As with any plan, to conquer most goals, there must be hard work, a true dedication and patience. And, there will always be a learning process involved.

I suggest this course of action. I do not recommend eliminating any of the steps because all are needed.

1. Admission: You must come to the point of admitting you have a problem, or you want to change. You want to be out of… (fill in the blank)
2. Higher Power: God is the higher power. Prayers are intimate talks with God. Talk to God about your problem. Come into agreement with God this behavior or issue will cease. The Three Ingredient Recipe comes into play: Believe, Ask and Trust. Know God, what He can do and His promise.
3. GPS Goal setting for your destination. God’s Precious Spirit.  The Holy Spirt is our Comforter, Teacher and Guide. He brings things into our remembrance. With the Holy Spirit, as your Guide, ask yourself the difficult questions. 
   1. Where does the issue start and where does the issue end? Your mind is the place where battles are won or lost. It’s the way you think. It’s difficult to believe that it’s not the problem, or the issue that occurred, it’s how you react or respond to the problem. Your thoughts govern your behaviors. Renew your mind. If you change the way you think, you will change your behavior.
   2. Why did this behavior or trouble happen? You must research the root of your problem. If you want to conquer your issue, be brutally honest. You may not want to or can’t do it, but the Holy Spirit will surface the core of your problem to your thoughts and heart. For example, if you are in debt, ask why. Spending more than receiving? Spending when you are depressed or lonely? To prove something to someone? It makes you feel good? You must be honest by acknowledging the cause and willing to change the behavior.
   3. How to overcome. This is when the plan is made. The great thing about the Holy Spirit, He will curtail a program specifically for you. The exact plan that worked for me, may not work for you, because we have different traits, personalities and gifts. You must believe and listen to the directions. I will emphasize the concept of listening and doing what He directs you to do. This is another area where many have failed. Instructions may be given, but fear, worry, doubt or any other emotion may come forth preventing the specific directions to be carried out. Pray to God for strength to do His will and to hear His voice and not the whispers of the devil or people who are trying to discourage you.
4. God’s grace is the power for us to do all things. Grace, undeserved, unmerited favor, is one of the free gifts from God. It is the power that allows you to do all things. Grace will put the super on your natural. You will be lifted from your comfort zone. You will be able to do things you never did before.
5. Give thanks and celebrate small victories. If you lose one pound, celebrate. If you stop drinking for one day, celebrate. If you paid off half of a credit card, celebrate. Acknowledging small blessings are ways to let God know you a grateful no matter how small the achievement or victory.
6. Brace yourself: The devil does not like triumphs with God. Or, any mention of positive accomplishments. He will immediately attempt to talk you out of reaching your set destination. He will send people, situations or whisper negative thoughts, in your mind, to dampen your spirit. If you backslide in the slightest, he will rain guilt and condemnation. If you win a small battle, he will insist that it is nothing. And, he will try and steal your identity by saying, if you are the righteousness of God, why isn’t more progress made, or why is it taking so long.
7. Phone a friend. Be in contact with a God-fearing friend, family member, or anyone you can discuss your weaknesses or fears, without any worry that they will tell everyone about it, or ridicule you of your shortcomings. Be careful who is chosen. Everyone is not excited to see you fulfil your destination. Lean on God to provide guidance on who you can trust. Whomever is chosen should remind you that you are the righteousness of God and offer prayers for you during this time. Remember, the fervent prayer of the righteous avails much.
8. Exercise your mind. Encourage yourself in God and His Word. Study the Bible daily. Remember the Word of God is a 2-edged sword, cutting through doubts, worries, and negativity. The Word strengthens and directs you. If you want to discover the treasure, you must study the treasure map.
   For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 New King James Version (NKJV).
9. Praise and give thanks to God. Multiple times during the day, praise God and give thanks. Praise Him, when things are going the way you planned and during the times everything appears to be going wrong. Praising God is an agreement indicating that you trust God to work in your favor.
   To stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening; 1 Chronicles 23:30New King James Version (NKJV)