Getting started can feel overwhelming and scary. Maybe you’re worried you won’t get it right the first try or are completely burnt out and have nothing left to give. When in doubt follow these four simple steps to get started.

_{Please note: Although recommended, it is not required for you to follow these steps in order. You are welcome to practice these steps at your own comfort and leisure.}  

STOP

You were not created to do anything on your own. Therefore, I suggest you start by giving up. Forget about everything that you’ve been striving toward and simply STOP. Stop trying to be perfect. Stop trying to please everyone and Stop trying to be God.   

Rest

            When our phones die we charge them. Similarly, when our cars run out of gas we fill them up. When a child is hungry, tired, or thirsty we provide for their needs. Adults are no different. We are finite and require rest, therefore we also need to be recharged and filled up. So Stop running on empty and return to the source to be filled up and refreshed. Jesus tells us that He is the source for life. A branch cannot survive when it is cut off from the tree. We are no different.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

Learn

If you really want to make a difference with your life then I suggest you start by spending time with the only One who saves and learn from Him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened….learn from me (Matt. 11: 28 -29). I do not have all the answers, but I know Someone who does. Every day is an opportunity to learn and once again surrender to God.

Change

            Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results – Albert Einstein

            Great job! You made it through the first three steps. Now get ready to apply what you’ve learned. Some days will be harder than others. You probably won’t get it on the first try, and that’s okay. Change does not happen all at once, rather the best interventions build upon each other over time. Simply get started by going one step at a time.

That’s it. That’s the basic foundation.