Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, (Philippians 2:12)
By now you should be just about complete with your review of the Disciplines. You should also have started thinking about challenges to practising the Disciplines. Today is a review day. Please spend some time in prayer and reflection on where you are with the Disciplines. If you haven’t already done the survey from Day 2, now would be a good time to do it. Have an honest conversation with God about the progress you have been making and the challenges you face. Finally, ask God for His guidance on this 40 Day Journey.
On Monday we will begin an exciting Bible study about Overcoming Challenges.
Please consider today’s question and share your thoughts if you feel led to do so. I am repeating the question from yesterday in the hope that we will get a few more responses.
Today’s Question for Comments:
What would say are the top three challenges to habitually practising Spiritual Disciplines?
March 4, 2017 at 8:39 am
Three challenges that hinder are Desire, Discipline and Consistency, in that order. You must first want to practise them. Next you must “train” yourself to study and practice. Then you must keep at it daily to see any fruit.
March 4, 2017 at 2:56 pm
Unexpectedly, I had to give this question a lot of thought. For me the biggest challenge is not to be preoccupied with the problems of life, to truly make God first, to take all to Him in prayer. Although I have experienced His miraculous & wise ways by being in His presence, I still fall short with the disciplines.
To be in God’s presence is an honour, a gift, to draw closer to Him in all thoughts and actions, through the disciplines………I need to keep top of mind throughout each day.
March 4, 2017 at 3:42 pm
1. Not personal making it a priority. I have to make time otherwise everything else moves ahead. 2. I’ve become accustomed to my schedule and forgotten the pleasure I get from investing in my relationship with the Father. 3. Laziness. It’s easier to let the flesh win. Sleep longer, read one more chapter of the book, talk to so and so…
March 4, 2017 at 7:59 pm
1. Allowing a busy life to take over what’s really important.
2. After an exhausting day, using whatever free time you might have to do something “fun” or relaxing instead of spending time with God.
3. Fooling yourself that you’ll definitely find time after you’re finished with cooking, cleaning, helping with homework, grading papers, etc. Chances are, even if I try to spend time with God after all this, I am so exhausted, I’m unable to focus on what I’m doing. My time is spent trying to stay awake. It’s best to start the day with God, keep Him by your side throughout the day, and end the day with Him before you’re too tired to do so.
March 4, 2017 at 11:57 pm
Many thanks to all who have shared what they believe are key challenges to habitually practising the Disciplines. Over the last two days we received excellent input with some recurring themes. This information will be very useful in subsequent discussions.