Coasting is Not an Option
Good morning from Westminster, MD!
As Jen and I head back to Nicaragua on Monday, we will be exactly one year from moving back to the United States. It is amazing to me to think that I have been on this journey in Nicaragua for two years. With one year left I am reminded of the importance of finishing well. It would be easy to begin “coasting” to the finish knowing that this season of my life is coming to a close, but I do not believe that is what I have been called to. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians he says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14, NIV) As Paul states in his letter, I believe I have been called to continue pressing on over the next year. Instead of focusing on the season to come, I hope to live into my current season of life. In fact, my goal is to make the next year my best year in Nicaragua as I seek to be a part of God’s work in Nicaragua.
Coasting is a trap we often fall into in life. We are always waiting for the next phase of life and, therefore, fail to be as effective in our current phase. If we are not careful, this can become our reality. Instead of living life we begin to coast through it. As I try to avoid coasting through my final year in Nicaragua, I challenge you to do the same with your life. If you are currently coasting, make today the day when you decide to stop. I believe we were created to live not to coast so get started living. That is my plan for the next year and I hope you will decide to do the same.
– James Belt
In2theRiver 