Reclaiming My Time with God’s Help

My church has a wonderful Women’s Conference every year and the theme for 2019 was “Reclaiming My Time.”  We spent 3 incredible days learning how to reclaim the neglected or even stolen areas of focus in our lives through developing time management, self-love, spiritual growth and removing barriers. After spending a powerful weekend with my sisters in Christ, I realized so many women are juggling so much and it’s hard to find time for the important things in life.  Hallelujah it’s not just me! Well I’m here to tell you that right now as you read this…It’s “reclaiming season.” From today further, we are waging war to get back EVERYTHING that belongs to us.

Where did Reclaiming my time come from?

In the summer of 2017, the phrase “Reclaiming My Time” was made famous by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (or Auntie Maxine, as many people affectionately call her).  It became a instant buzzword and meme all over the country.  During a committee hearing, Ms. Waters interrupted Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin by repeatedly saying “reclaiming my time.”  She didn’t want Mr. Mnuchin to spend her set time allotment on off topic comments.  Whether you agree with the Congressman or not doesn’t matter right now. We can focus on the fact that she took a stand and removed all distractions to get back what was rightfully and lawfully hers.  

Check out the video clip here: 

What’s the culprit?

What exactly is stealing your time? Could it be work, kids, school, housework, church, extended family, friends, community responsibilities? WHAT IS IT? If you had to draw a pie chart of what you spend time on in your life, what would get the biggest slice? Stop and ask yourself, is that the area you really want to rank #1? Now where did self care fall in the mix? Most importantly, how much time did God get in the mix? My guess is that all of our charts could use some readjusting, unless you’re a perfectly oiled machine.  In that case…please contact me pronto because I need to know how my friend!!!

Reclaiming what?

Take some time and think about what you really want back. For example, look at the pie chart you made above.  What area do you wish had a bigger a chunk? Do you need more “me” time. Would you like to go back to school. Got hurts from the past that you need time to deal with? Wanna have more Fun? Decide what area in your life you used to enjoy that you no longer take time for. Is there something that is rightfully yours that someone stole? Jot it down, whatever it is because you have the right to get it all back.

ADDED BONUS: A Women’s Group Icebreaker Game called “Reclaiming Your Time” 

I created a fun women’s group icebreaker game that purposefully displays how to Reclaim our time with God.  We had tons of fun playing it with lots of laughs from all ages.  Get the details HERE and download the full game for free below.

We have authority!

God is so amazing! He is all powerful and has all authority. Matthew 28:18 tells us:

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (KJV)

Therefore, if we are connected to Christ through salvation, and have a growing relationship with Him, then we have ACCESS to the same authority.  You’ve been given an all access pass to the power and authority that produces miracles, signs, and wonders.  It’s the kind of authority that casts out devils.  Tap into the authority that provides when there is no provision, and opens doors that are closed.  This all powerful God created you and promised to give you everything you need. So when you are struggling in your season of refocusing, remember God has given you the authority to reclaim what is yours!

In the Congresswomen’s example she had the legal right to reset her clock. Ultimately, that was HER TIME to accomplish what she wanted to accomplish. Just like Ms. Waters, you were created and called to accomplish something special on this earth. No distraction, trauma, mistake or attack of the enemy should be allowed to steal your time to do what you are called to do. Time is limited and precious, so take a stand and walk in your God-given authority to get all God has for you.

What does the Bible say?

We serve a God of restoration. Certainly, there are so many scriptures where God promises to restore to us EVERYTHING we are due.

1 Peter 5:10 tells us, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (NKJV)

My friend, our Heavenly Father, with all his wisdom and power is literally holding you and protecting you through this phase. He knows when your focus is off. He sees the tears you cried. God knows your joy was stolen.  He knows you’ve lost your peace. But this scripture tells us that after we’ve gone through this “stuff,” God will:

1. Perfect you and restore you.

2. Establish you to give you a firm foundation

3. Strengthen you and make you strong.

4. And settle and confirm His work in your life

How to Reclaim?

So you’ve taken the time to really discover what you have lost, now you may be asking “But how do I get it back.”  Here’s some simple steps that have helped me.

1. Make a DECLARATION!

Until you decide that you are going to commit to the journey of reclaiming your life…nothing will happen.  You have to be bold in the face of the devil and let him know you his dirty tactics will no longer be tolerated.  Come what may, day to day…Declare right now that you WILL live your God-given destiny.

2.  Pray for direction

Spend some time in prayer asking God for direction on how to handle the situation.  If someone hurt you, pray and ask God how to repair the wound.  If your mistakes of the past have kept you embarrassed and ashamed, ask God to help you wipe away the shame so you can shine.  Ask God how to reclaim your joy and happiness.  It comes from Him anyway.  If fear or lack of focus has plagued you, pray and ask God to release those strong holds.  Don’t spend anymore time doing the wrong thing, invest in your future and consult God for direction.

3. Learn about God’s promises

Take the time to learn about some of the things God promised to those that believe in Him.  Isaiah 53:5 tells us that by His stripes we are healed.  That’s a promise of healing.  Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”  That’s a promise of strength.  Do your own bible study on God’s promises.  God will take care of His children and as a “King’s Kid” it’s time to go get your inheritance.

4. Create a Schedule

Some things will never happen until you put a due date and time on it.  Now that you know what you want to go after, earmark time to accomplish those goals.  If you are a creative person like me, it can be hard to conform to a schedule, but I promise you it’s worth it. 

In 2018, I found myself just floating in the wind. bouncing from one demand to another with no focus.  I set out to find a way to organize my life and downloaded tons of apps but it just didn’t fit with me.  Luckily, I found out that paper planners are still a thing.   Not only was it a thing, but it was very popular, and would give me a creative outlet (feels kinda like scrapbooking #plannerlife). I still couldn’t find a planner that combined my love for Christ with a need for daily schedule planning.  So I wrote one.  How about that?  LOL 

The goal is to find what works for you.  Set a goal.  Make a plan, and work hard everyday to achieve it. 

5. Set Boundaries

Just as fast as you start working on empowering yourself, the devil will try to attack you again.  Set boundaries in the areas you are working on so there is very little room for failure.  If a past relationship took everything out of you, delete that person’s number.  Don’t text them anymore.  Stop engaging.  Run for the hills, your mental stability is more important.  If you are tying to lose weight, don’t drive past the donut shop everyday. Find another route.  It’s one of those temptations you can avoid. Boundaries create “healthy walls” that alert you that danger is ahead.  Set them up for your own safety.

6. Accountability

Get a friend or family member that will hold you to a Godly standard.  They’re called accountability partners, prayer partners, mentors, coaches, etc.  Whatever you call them…Get you one. You set a plan, but it becomes a whole lot easier when you have someone that will hold you accountable to working that plan.  Earlier in my life I was never really big on having a mentor.  I didn’t think I needed that until in my 20’s I went through a terrible depression.  My parents sent me to a counselor that didn’t let me slack and made me do the work.  It changed my life.  

You got this!

No matter what it feels like now, I promise it can get better.  Just remember, you have ACCESS to All Power and All authority to take back what the devil stole from you.  You are the Victor not the Victim.  Go get what’s yours!

What helpful action steps would you add to the list?  What works best for you?  Add your comment below.  Let’s help each other.

Until next time…Stay crafty!

Angie

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