Why are some tasks so hard to start? From the completely mundane like cleaning out the fridge to the eternally impactful like studying the Scriptures. What hinders us from diving in? Why is it so much easier to do other things instead? Here’s what one educator says, “The Wall of Awful gets created, brick by brick, with every repeated failure, disappointment, rejection, or instance of guilt. It’s an emotional barrier which makes starting seemingly simple tasks excruciatingly difficult. You’d rather do anything else.
From the outside, the Wall is invisible. No one can see what you’re struggling with, it just looks like inaction. And the avoidance of the task leads to more disappointment, more guilt, and maybe rejection.” Brandon Mahan, ADHD educator
There are many pieces to solving the dilemma of ’Stuck’, but feelings are part of the problem and the solution. We feel guilty that we haven’t started. We’re angry at ourselves and disappointed that we have fallen short yet again. I’m not talking about the constructive guilt feelings that make us admit wrong and change course. I’m talking about the destructive guilt feelings that condemn us, castigate us, and make it harder to correct course. The enemy’s voice says, “Oh, I see you’re at it again. Here you are, putting things off. You’ll never get a handle on this. You’re doomed to be a loser just like your ______. Your family and friends will be disappointed in you when they find out. Just admit defeat and go do something you like to do. You can’t beat this.” Note the condemnation, ridicule, and hopelessness that feed our self-loathing and despair. The enemy of our souls loves to knock us down and stomp on us. This is not God’s voice.
The gentle, patient voice of God’s Spirit says, “I know this is hard for you. Your natural inclinations and needs make it difficult to do the right thing. But I’m here to help you. You don’t have to let this get the best of you. Just lean on me and I’ll give you supernatural strength and a happy heart. You are capable of great things with my help. Just take the next baby step in obedience holding on to me. We’ll get this done. Remember how I helped you in the past? Remember my promises to be with you and help you? I’ve helped so many folks just like you overcome their obstacles. Let’s do this!”
In the Old Testament, God patiently revealed his good plan to send his Anointed One, the Messiah, to help us. In Genesis, we find that he would be born of a woman- a human like us. He would understand us because he would experience what we experience. He would have all the human feelings. Yet without sinning. In Exodus, we see a picture of the Messiah in the Passover Lamb who died to save the people from death even though in the world’s view, they were only a bunch of nobodies. (Who, BTW, faltered in their faith over and over just like us.) In Leviticus, we see a foreshadowing of the High Priest who would once and for all offer the final sacrifice for atonement. He would mediate between God and man because we all fall short of God’s perfect standard. In Numbers, we see the smitten Rock that although struck in anger, provided life-giving water for the people in spite of their rebellion and complaining. That’s good news for us complainers.
The book of Ruth pictures a kinsman Redeemer who paid the price for an outsider to come into the family of God and be fruitful. She was unworthy to join God’s family, just as we are. All of the Torah, the Psalms, and the Prophets point to the coming Messiah who would be compassionate and merciful, making a way to God by overcoming evil and giving himself for his imperfect people. This is good news for the imperfect and the discouraged! God is patient with our weaknesses because the Perfect One has already made peace for us. He has accomplished what we couldn’t.
I’m so glad that the Bible is full of stories of flawed humans who God had patience with! In fact, when the time finally came for the Messiah to be born, God’s patience was on display. Old Zechariah, a priest who knew the Torah and the Prophecies stumbled when a heavenly being gave him a difficult-to-believe promise that he and his aged wife would have a special child who would have the Spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way for the Messiah. Of all people, this mature servant of God’s temple should have welcomed the angel’s announcement. But he doubted. Yet, God’s mercy was seen even in the rebuke. God disciplined the old priest, but kept his promise despite Zechariah’s lack of faith.
“Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”
Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” Luke 1:18-20
In contrast, a young, not highly educated woman was willing to believe a difficult-to-believe promise also delivered by a heavenly being. She, a pure, unmarried woman would give birth to the Messiah. She also had a question, but apparently, it didn’t arise from unbelief. She believed she would be the mother of the Messiah, she just needed details -like all women everywhere. Perhaps she was asking if the child would be conceived after her upcoming marriage. When the angel gave a mind-boggling explanation of the origin of the child, she didn’t doubt, but gave herself wholeheartedly to God’s plan.
“Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.”
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” Luke 1:34-38
The next time I come up against my glaring shortcomings, I want to remember God’s patience. He doesn’t condemn. He will rebuke unbelief, but he stays faithful to his promises, helping us to move forward in faith that he will always do what he promises.
“Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? To surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.
Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.” Romans 12:1-2 (The Passion Translation)