Spiritual Checkpoints 2022
It’s April! The first quarter of the year is done. It’s time for a Spiritual Checkpoint.
By now, many people have forgotten their resolutions and abandoned their goals. Excitement has been quelled, and motivation has been suppressed by trials, challenges, and everyday life. If we are going to keep going, it will take intentionality to continue to press forward.
Instead of quitting, try incorporating spiritual checkpoints into your routine. Dictionary.com defines a checkpoint as “a place along a road, border, etc., where travelers are stopped for inspection.”
In a long-distance race, checkpoints are placed along the route. At these checkpoints, a racer’s time is recorded. The racer can use that information to examine their race and determine if they are on pace or if changes need to be made.
A spiritual checkpoint is a time of self-reflection. As with the runner in a race, a spiritual checkpoint is a time to check your pacing and make any necessary adjustments. Indeed, it is a time for inspection. 2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.”
Eugene Peterson says it this way, “Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along, taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need first-hand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. (2 Corinthians 13:5 MSG.)
As we enter the second quarter of the year, it is time for us to reflect, regroup, refocus, and be refreshed.
REFLECT
Reflect on your journey. Have you progressed, have you remained stagnant, or worse, have you regressed? Be honest with yourself! Invite the Holy in on this and be honest before Him.
REGROUP
As you reflect, you may find areas that can be tightened up, tweaked, or even overhauled. This could mean recuperating after disappointment or failure, or regaining confidence when it’s fizzled out. Where do you need to reorganize or start over?
REFOCUS
Refocus in prayer. Talk to God and ask Him to tell you the plan again. Oh, how reviving it is to hear the Lord speak to you again after you’ve gotten unfocused or even misstepped. Write down what you hear so that you can review it and run with it.
BE REFRESHED
Yes, a spiritual checkpoint is also a time of refreshing. Ask the Lord for the clarity you need to move forward. Praise Him for another day and another chance. Wash your face, get up, and get moving.
Here are some questions to guide you at this spiritual checkpoint:
Are you talking with God daily? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
Are you engaging with His Word every day? Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 4:4
Have you set spiritual goals? Proverbs 19:21, Habakkuk 2:2-3, John 6:27
What spiritual disciplines have you put into practice? Acts 2:42, Joshua 1:8, Hebrews 10:25
Who is pouring into your life? Proverbs 1:5, Ephesians 4:11-16
Who are you pouring into? Isaiah 58:10, Proverbs 11:25, Isaiah 1:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Are you walking in obedience to the Word of God? James 1:22–25
As you aim to deepen your relationship with Jesus, try incorporating spiritual checkpoints. Spiritual checkpoints will help focus you towards your goals. Take this time to reflect, regroup, refocus, and be refreshed. Then keep on moving!!!
Running with Jesus,
Erica
Remember, the Word W.O.R.K.S. Walking in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness and Kingdom Success!
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