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Why Is It So Hard To Stay On Track?

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 Leave a Comment


Do you ever feel like your home management skills are like a roller coaster, full of super highs, quick downfalls, and overwhelming lows?

Welcome to my world...and the world of being human.

There have been so many times that I have made lists, perused the internet for great homekeeping/homemaking ideas, and even stayed on track for several days, only to fail miserably the next week. Where did that pile of laundry come from? The bathroom is dirty already? Didn't I just say I was going to reduce video time for my kiddos? What's going on? Will I ever get it together?!

Frustration.

Feelings of failure.

Why bother?

I am reminded of the passage of scripture found in Romans 7:17-25 (The Message):

But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.

It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.

I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?

The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
Isn't it comforting to know that we are just not going to get it all together while on earth? Praise God for that truth! If I didn't understand my own "fleshyness," I would drown in my own failings. The bible tells us to rejoice in our weaknesses so that we can praise God for the beautiful blood that has been poured over all our failings (2 Corinthians 12:9). Jesus knows...He knows we are going to struggle until the dust of the earth is brushed off our feet and we are lifted into holiness.

Don't give up when you feel like you will never change. God is working in you right now, if you are His. You are being sanctified, you are growing, and you can persevere if you cling to Him. The flesh will win out some days, but keep focused on the eternal value of being a keeper of the home (Titus 2:5).

I'm right there with ya babe!


You can find Sarah Mae at Like A Warm Cup Of Coffee and on Twitter @sarahmaeblogs!

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11 comments »

  • Karen said:  

    Thanks for this post!
    Karen

    July 14, 2009 1:20 AM
  • Courtney said:  

    I blogged on this very topic today at http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com

    It's seems as though if I abandon my post as the homemaker for just 5 hours that piles just start to grow everywhere - in the sink, by the door, in the kids rooms, in the bathrooms. We as women so long for a quick way out and some new gadget or gizmo they are selling that will make cleaning quicker - but the reality is - it's hard work and we must give homemaking our time if we want to do it well. There's no quick fix or easy way out.

    Titus 2 says the younger women are to be "busy at home". So if we are feeling "busy" with our homemaking- that's the correct feeling - I better get off my computer an get busy - hehe!!!
    Courtney

    July 14, 2009 6:22 AM
  • Bevy said:  

    Wow! ((sigh))... I really needed to read this today and I so appreciated Courtney's comments as well, regarding "giving homemaking our time, if we want to do it well" as well as, "if we're feeling busy with homemaking - than that is the correct way to feel"... so many times this is my key struggle, and so this post hit the nail on the head for me. thanks!

    July 14, 2009 7:54 AM
  • Kristina said:  

    I am a relatively new reader and I surely find your blog uplifting! Thnak you so much for taking the time to write!

    Kristina

    July 14, 2009 9:39 AM
  • Composing Hallelujahs said:  

    i had an "I'm a failure" melt down the other day about all this, lol! next time i'll choose to rejoice in how God has carried me abundantly further than i would ever be on my own!

    July 14, 2009 9:39 AM
  • MamaHen Em said:  

    Great post and just what I needed today :)

    July 14, 2009 3:33 PM
  • carebear7951 said:  

    Very timely in my life as I'm pretty "fleshy" too! ;) Thanks!

    July 14, 2009 4:56 PM
  • Heather Siani said:  

    Thank you for that reminder. I have been struggling with this all week. God Bless!

    July 15, 2009 12:08 PM
  • Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates said:  

    You know that I'm with ya sister! Thank you for the encouragement! And I always find it inspiring that you share the same struggles as me!

    July 15, 2009 4:37 PM
  • christinnjon said:  

    Once again you spoke the cry of my heart, Sarah Mae.

    August 14, 2009 3:57 PM
  • Alyssa said:  

    Girl you just described how I am feeling RIGHT NOW! Why can't I just get it together?

    December 23, 2009 6:47 PM

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