When God sent Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, Pharaoh balked. He wasn’t going to let free labor walk out the door. God sent ten plagues upon the Egyptians to convince Pharoah to release the Israelites. With each plague Pharoah promised to let God’s people go, but he each time he reneged. When the plague of frogs covered the land, Pharoah again said he would let the people go if the frogs went away. Moses agreed and asked him a funny question. “When do you want the frogs to go away?” You would think he’d say immediately, but he told Moses, “Tomorrow.” Really! Why would you put up with that misery for one more day when you didn’t have to? He still didn’t want to let go of his slave work force…tomorrow.

People do this kind of thing all the time. Some battle with health issues and instead of getting immediate help or starting a plan toward wellness, they put it off until tomorrow, and settle for another night of frogs. Intelligent people sacrifice their reputation, fortune, and/or family to continue an illicit relationship, even when they know they are on a path to destruction.

Procrastination is the deadly opponent, the deadly sin, that defeats many people. It’s not the same as being lazy, because a person can be very busy and active and still be a procrastinator.

Procrastination causes people to mismanage finances, derails careers, damages relationships, and causes conflict. It erodes joy, but worst of all it keeps you from reaching your God-given potential, not because you said “no” to God, but because you said “tomorrow.”

How do you battle procrastination? 1) Stop making excuses! None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, but we have today! 2) Make a plan. You must set aside time and plan for the things you need/want to do. 3) Face your fears. Two main fears feed procrastination. One is the fear of failure. The second is the fear of success. Yes, some people are afraid that if they succeed, they won’t be able to keep it going. 4) Highlight the gain. Focus on how amazing the outcome with be. The “gain” makes the work and pain worthwhile.

The biggest mistake you can ever make is procrastinating about making Jesus Christ Lord and Savior of your life. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Putting off the most important decision you’ll ever make determines your eternity.

Scriptures: Exodus 8:9-10; Hebrews 3:13; James 4:17; Proverbs 27:1; Proverbs 13:16; Ephesians 5:16; Philippians 4:13; Galatians 4:9; 2 Corinthians 6:2

Verses: (Ex 8:9-10) Moses said to Pharaoh, “I will pray for you, your people, and your officials. Then the frogs will leave you and your houses. They will remain only in the river. When do you want the frogs to go away?” Pharaoh said, “Tomorrow.” (Js 4:17) If anyone, then knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (Ep 5:16) Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days. (2 Co 6:2) For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

Questions: Are you inclined to procrastinate? What past procrastination brings you the greatest regret because it’s too late? What have you been putting off that you need to do when it comes to your family? Your personal life? Your career? Your Christian life? Talking about what we’ve put off is good, but without a plan to move into action, it’s useless. What will you DO?

Prayer: Dear God, I know I have sinned many times by not doing the good things I know I should do. Please forgive me. Strengthen me to accomplish what you have placed before me while it is today. Thank you for each day, which is a gift from you. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.