Discouragement is always a close companion to self-improvement. I don’t know about you, but despite starting small and making a plan of how to move towards being a better steward, I’m overwhelmed.

There have been a lot of “15 minutes of stewardship” intervals around here lately, but there still seems to be so stinkin’ much to accomplish. Bills, schoolwork to grade, home improvements, cleaning, ugh. So much.

Honestly, it’s easy to get discouraged about everything that remains to be done. The biggest room in the house is certainly room for improvement. That room takes the longest to clean, also.

Unfortunately, I have a bad habit of beating up on myself, despite knowing better. Sound familiar?

Remember, your journey to better stewardship has come about because you’ve identified areas that you’ve let slide. Sliding doesn’t happen over night. It’s a process.

The weight I’ve gained, the mess in my house, the debt I’ve accumulated – all of these things took time to develop. Likewise, it will take time to redirect and make improvements.

The solution? One day at a time, but also, cut yourself some slack.

When I get into a funk of feeling inadequate and ineffective regarding my stewardship, it’s usually because I am forgetting that God is with me. I am not alone in trying to change.

Discouragement is not God’s plan for us. We are to walk in victory because Jesus was victorious.

Here are some passages of scripture to lift you up when you are discouraged about your stewardship journey:

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

-Psalm 55:22 (NLT)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

-Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

-Matthew 11:28 (ESV)

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

-Philippians 1:6 (NASB)

Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which the Scriptures give us. 

-Romans 15:4 (GNT)

You can memorize some of these and speak them aloud when you feel discouraged. There is power in the Word of God! You can also write them on a whiteboard or sticky notes to keep visible at home or at work.

When discouragement about your progress creeps in, or you are tempted to throw in the towel, turn to the Lord. Read the Word. Pray. Listen. Worship.

Big changes happen slowly, day by day, one small act of obedience after another. I pray you’ll stay the course and won’t allow discouragement to sideline you as you seek to be a good steward.

Tracy

Hi! I’m Tracy. I love Jesus, my family, Earl Grey Tea, and quiet mornings. Here at Earl Grey and Yellow, the focus is striving to be faithful and appreciate the small things. So glad you stopped by. Please have a look around and subscribe to our newsletter and social media to stay connected.