An interesting story is told of Col. Joahnn Gottlieb Rall, commander of the Hessian troops in Trenton, New Jersey, during the Revolutionary War. It is reported that the colonel was playing chess when a courier brought a letter containing an urgent message stating that Gen. George Washington was crossing the Delaware River. Rall, engrossed by his game, put the missive in his pocket, choosing to read it at a later time.
His procrastination, however, proved to be his doom. When Washington reached Trenton, Rall and many of his soldiers were killed, and the remaining soldiers were captured. The letter was found unopened in Colonel Rall’s pocket after his death. Nolbert Quayle later said, “Only a few minutes’ delay cost him his life, his honor, and the liberty of his soldiers. Earth’s history is strewn with the wrecks of half-finished plans and unexecuted resolutions. ‘Tomorrow’ is the excuse of the lazy and refuge of the incompetent.”
The words may be harsh, but the principle behind them make me shudder. Truth be told, most of us often can be found guilty of waiting for tomorrow to do that which should be done today. And although procrastination on small tasks may not always affect the outcome of history, the effect in an individual’s life can never be fully evaluated. That truth receives an even deeper dimension when we procrastinate taking one small step toward obeying something we know God wants us to do.
I believe one of the reasons we fail to obey God promptly on small things is that we don’t usually realize that he has
to lay small foundations before revealing to us the big picture of what he has in store for us. He gives us a simple direction, and waits for our obedience before revealing the next step. In our pride or honest ignorance, we may think that small steps may not be important enough, and that waiting to take them should not affect the outcome of God’s plan for our lives. However, we must remember that God seeks a relationship of trust from us, and therefore the tiniest step of obedience can be used as a key element to unlock our future.
I think about my personal experience, and how I procrastinated to obey God on a seemingly small directive for my life. For years, I lived in a spiritual limbo, caught in the busyness of religion instead of in the fullness of a personal relationship with the Father. I tried to fill my spiritual life with religious routines and check boxes, altogether ignoring some quite simple directions I received from him. Incapable of seeing the big picture, I deemed safe to procrastinate in taking small steps, often excusing my disobedience: “I will do this when I understand it better.” Or, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
In the meantime, tomorrow turned into a week, a month, a couple of years. As I look back and realize the wasted time, I can only conceptualize the difference that prompt obedience would have made. I will never know for sure. And although I am grateful for a God of grace and second chances, I really do not wish to gamble with my destiny anymore, as Rall once did. Life and death may not always be at stake, but God’s best usually is.
Today, when he shows me what I need to do, I try my best to take the smallest of steps right away, even though I oftentimes don’t understand it. Because I’ve lived long enough to know that a small step toward God may just be the difference between mediocrity or success, joy or defeat.
Patricia Holbrook is a Christian author and national conference speaker. Her first book, “Twelve Inches: Bridging the Gap Between What You Know About God and How You Feel,” is now available on Kindle, and paperback at Barnes and Nobles, Amazon and other retailers. Visit her blog to read her devotionals at www.soaringwithhim.com or email her atpholbrook@soaringwithhim.com .
Wonderful truths on procrastination. Thank you. I enjoyed this especially: “…a small step toward God may just be the difference between mediocrity or success, joy or defeat.” Amen. Great reminder! Following you at Kelly’s today.
Thank you so much, Julie! And welcome to my blog! God Bless You!!
Patricia, such lovely truth here. Good insight on God’s best being at stake. Not something we always consider…it’s so easy to set his nudges aside for a time when we feel ready to jump in, but I like your emphasis on the fact that obedience doesn’t wait until we understand and feel ready. Thank you for sharing. Happy to be visiting you from the Rara linkup today. ((blessings))
Welcome, Brenda! Thank you for your kind words!
Patricia,
What words of wisdom! No one wants to life in the “if only I had” realm and taking initiative and being obedient in the small things is paramount to finishing strong. Loved the post! Thank you.
Steph
Thank you, dear friend. You’re always such an encouraging friend in what God is doing in my life. I’m grateful for you!
What a profound story about procrastination. I’m still discerning if I procrastinate regarding what I wonder to be God’s call or if I’m in a period of discernment. Sometimes I still don’t know, but I’ll wonder now if Im’ really procrastinating! umm..I’ll dwell on this one! Thanks so much! Visiting today from #TestimonyTuesday!
Thank you, Kathy! Welcome to my blog!! I believe we should never move forward, until we hear clearly from God, confirmed in His Word… Then even if the small step mais no sense, we should move forward. We all struggle with that discernment at times, but God wants to show us what to do. Just keep listening and putting one foot after another. Blessings, sister!
What a great message and reminder! As our fearless leader, Dr. Stanley, tells us time and again, “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.” Stepping out in faith believeing that God has a plan for each one of us, and knowing and trusting that He has ordered our every step before we were even born, should motivate us to move and not stand still because of fear, confusion, or our own timetable. He knows our every thought. Our loving God will not allow us to go very far without turning us in the right direction if we get off course with His will and plan. As long as we live in His Light, keeping our focus on Him, and using His Living Word as our compass, He will guide our lifewalk, leaving His footprints for others to find their way to Him.
Thank you for visiting, Holly! Blessings!
Thank YOU for being willing to be used by God in such a powerful way! Press on!
Wow, what a great lesson. It’s so easy to ignore the small step God is asking me to take because I find I’m looking for the big step I want to take. It’s a reminder for me to be obedient and not procrastinate over the small steps. Thanks.
Thank you, Rachel! May God guide you in every step you take!!
Oh, how I am seeing this in my life right now. I am trying so hard to take action before action takes me, but so many things make it hard. Trying to find my way quiet in a screaming world. Visiting today from Tell His Story!
So glad you visited, Becky! I pray you will be bold and strong and take one small step toward God!
Trying my best to walk in His ways, even if I’m taking baby steps. Great inspiration for us all today, Patricia!
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha!!