Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” (John 5:8, NIV)
Stop making excuses. Your time is now to move.
In John 5:1-9, a man is crippled for thirty-eight years. For thirty-eight years, he is suffering. Feeling hopeless, waiting on someone to help him into the pool to be healed. Jesus walks up to the man, asking if he is ready to be well. The man makes excuses. Blaming others for his inaction. Jesus immediate response is for the man to take action. The healing is available if he takes the action to receive the healing. The man gets up, no longer crippled.
Move
Just like this man. You must make the move and take the action. Stop looking to others to lead you. Taking you by the hand. It is not their responsibility. The responsibility is yours. You are in control. What you desire and seek requires ownership and action.
The Trap
It is easy to fall into the trap of waiting for someone else to take the lead. To be the guide for the path you want to travel. Looking for others for direction, reassurance and validation. The truth is, you are responsible for your journey.
Fear
You are waiting for the perfect moment, the right opportunity, or the ideal circumstances before taking action. Hesitating and procrastinating because of fear. The reality is that there will never be a perfect moment. There will always be obstacles in the way, challenges to overcome, and risks to take. Waiting for everything to align perfectly will result in waiting forever.
Break the trap
There are three keys to breaking the trap:
First key is leadership. You have the authority to shape your live according to your desires and aspirations. Be proactive, decisive, and assertive in the pursuit of goals.
Second key is self-awareness. Take the time to reflect on what you truly want out of life. Identify the steps needed to get there. Evaluate strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth.
Third key is courage. Step outside of comfort zones, take risks, and embrace the unknown. Silence the doubts and naysayers, both external and internal, and push forward.
Stop waiting for someone else to take the lead. No more excuses and procrastinating. Move boldly toward the future you envision for yourself. You will discover that the power to shape your destiny has been within you all along.
