You know what they say about good intentions! If you’re like me, you have lots of good intentions, that’s not the problem. The problem is a lack of follow-through. Without consistency you’ll miss out on so much that requires attention. If you don’t learn to be consistent, it will cost you dearly. At some point, you’ll look back on all the things you left behind and wonder how you could have been so blind. Inconsistency comes with a high price. Could have, should have, would have, and the days, months and years go by. 

Scriptures – Ephesians 3:20-21; Romans 7:15; Daniel 6:5, 10, 23; Romans 7;18-19, 24-25

Verses – Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ep 3:20-21 NIV) I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. (Ro 7:15) Daniel heard about the law, but when he returned home, he went upstairs and prayed in front of the window that faced Jerusalem. In the same way that he had always done, he knelt down in prayer three times a day, giving thanks to God. (Da 6:10)

Thought – We all struggle with inconsistency in some area. The apostle Paul states it best in Romans 7:15. Do you ever feel the same way Paul felt? You intend to do something, want to do something, even plan to do something and then let it fall aside. Do you ever do things you don’t want to do, and wonder, why? There is no easy solution, but we can do better, much better. 1) The key is to decide ahead of time. Decisions determine our direction! When we wait until the moment arrives to decide, we are more likely to make a bad decision. In the Old Testament Book of Daniel, we see a man who made a decision, a good decision…the decision to honor God and pray three times each day. Daniel had a plan, and he consistently maintained his prayer schedule despite opposition. 2) Next, plan to fail? What? Yes, you will mess up. This is when you restart and keep working. We don’t know, but let’s assume that Daniel, being human, occasionally missed a prayer time. Maybe he had to work late, or was ill, or had some other unexpected interruption. You must pick up where you left off and keep going! 3) Fall in love with the process. The process is the goal! We are so goal oriented, that we often miss out on the blessing of the process. You may not start out loving the discipline of daily devotion, prayer, Bible reading, but if you do it for a while, you will desire it, long for it. It will be an important part of your day…one you don’t want to do without. And above all remember that you can only be consistent with God’s help. It’s in His strength that we carry on!

Questions – In what area do you struggle most with inconsistency? As you look back, what do you wish you had been more consistent about? In what area are you most disciplined/consistent? How have you developed that process over time? What can you do to improve your consistency in the area you need most?

Response – Choose something you want to be more consistent about. Maybe it’s spending time with someone who needs you, reading your Bible, or exercising. Now, decide what you will do to grow in this process. Make a schedule. Pray and ask God for strength and determination. Keep a log of your progress so you can accurately track your consistency and see how you are improving.

Prayer – Gracious God, you are so faithful, so dependable, an ever-present help in times of need. I offer to you my consistent faithfulness, thankfulness, praise, and worship! Help me to immerse my heart and soul in the process of living in your presence, consistently, faithfully serving you with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.