Coasting Through Life

I love when God reveals things to me through mental images and similes/metaphors. This morning I was out walking and praising God for such a beautiful day; I started to chat with him about life and then He answered.

He helped me realize a consistent pattern in my life over the past year and related it to driving/coasting in a car. I love my Jesus! :)

So, here it goes:
I realized that I tend to press forward through trials and tribulations, grow and strengthen my relationship with God, and feel great about life... for about two or three weeks at a time. I see blessings upon more blessings. I like who I am when I'm close to Him. Life just works out. And then I get tired of persevering... Something in my brain tells me, "You deserve a break Heidi. You've been working hard for two weeks now. Time to chill." Last night I was reading the "A Passive Mind" chapter in Battlefield of the Mind, and (re)learned about how Satan revels in empty space. When I let go and decide to chill for a while I start to coast... this is where God spoke to me.

Q: What is the general terrain like when your coasting?

A: Typically... downhill.

(Therein lies the problem.)

When I start to coast it's only a matter of time before I'm going downhill quick.
I've been stuck in this cycle for a while... where life is good and God is great. Then little things start to change. Like, it's 9pm and I realize- wow, I didn't talk to God at all today. Or, when I realize it's Wednesday and my Bible hasn't moved since I put it down after church on Sunday. This is where the coasting comes into play.

When God isn't forefront in my mind it doesn't show right away... It's two weeks later when I don't want to pull myself out of bed, I hate the way I look, I'm short-tempered, and I can find something negative to say about a sunny day with a high of 72 degrees. Luckily, I have a Jesus that welcomes me back with open arms! Even cooler news- He's been waiting for me! Watching for me to come back!



God, help me recognize when I start to coast through life. Thank you for showing me this pattern of up and down I've been stuck in for so long. You know how to make me smile the way no one else knows how, and I love you for that! Give me strength to persevere, and to help others find that hope in you as well. :)