It's Decision Time!

By Valorie Burton
Author and Motivational Speaker

CBN.com –Last week, I asked you, “Do you have enough space for what you want in your life?” I was inspired to write that column, in part, because I recently had to make space for what I want. In order to move forward in certain areas of life, it is often necessary to let go of something in order to make the space for your vision to manifest. Recently, I made a challenging professional decision.

I was blessed this year with book deals to write two more books. I’m excited about these books and the ways in which I believe they will enhance your life and the lives of many others. This is a season for me to go deeper as a writer – to cherish each moment enjoying work I love and further hone my writing gifts. But whenever you want to “go deeper,” it takes time.

As I began writing my fourth book, I realized that time is something I needed more of if I wanted to write with the level of excellence I aspire to. But what would I need to eliminate from my schedule to make space ? I prayed about it, listened and heard my answer. But the answer was one I was hesitant to implement. Have you ever asked God what you should do and then argued with Him about the answer He gave you? The answer I heard in my spirit was simple: Take a hiatus from individual coaching. My concern was for my clients and how they would feel about that decision.

One of the wonderful things about God is that He already knows our concerns before we ever state them. And very often, we fear repercussions that are non-existent. My fear was that my clients, whom I love and consider it a privilege to serve, would be upset or not understand. As is the case for so many fears that hold us back, I was wrong. Every one of them was excited for me and quite understanding. The thing I feared most did not manifest itself in any form. Are you fearing a repercussion right now about a decision you need to make? If it feels right in your spirit, trust God and move forward.

This week, I challenge you to take that step forward to make more space in your life for what you want - even though you may fear the repercussions. I asked you do so last week, but I feel led to encourage you again this week because you may need a second reminder.:) Perhaps it is an unhealthy relationship you need to let go of in order to make room for something much better. Perhaps it is time to take an entrepreneurial leap, but you are afraid to let go of the security blanket provided by a corporate paycheck. Or maybe it’s something much simpler – clearing space out of the garage to make room for your car or clearing the clutter out of the cramped spaces of your home so that you can make room to relax and rejuvenate in a true sanctuary from stress.

Whatever it is, I ask you to take 60 seconds right now to pause, pray and listen for God’s guidance about what activity, relationship, clutter or circumstance you need to eliminate in order to move to the next level. Then make a decision to take the necessary steps.

My challenge to you this week:
Close your eyes and picture yourself at “the next level,” whatever that means for you. Take one minute to pray and listen for God’s guidance about what you need to let go of in order to get there. Allow a sense of peace to guide your decision. Then take a step of faith this week to let it go.

Journaling assignment:
What do you fear will happen if you follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and let go of the thing you feel led to let go of? What if you stepped out on faith despite your fear? How would you feel about yourself if you exercised that level of courage?

A sought-after life coach and speaker, Valorie Burton seeks to inspire people to live more fulfilling, less stressful lives. She is the author of Listen to Your Life, What’s Really Holding You Back?, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, and her latest, Why Not You? 28 Days to Authentic Confidence.