Living On Purpose In Christ | Boundaries, Devotions, Positive Affirmations, Bible Study, Christian, Faith, Scripture

78 | Biblical Principles to Overcome Procrastination: Faith In Action

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

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Procrastination often disguises itself as busyness, perfectionism, or waiting for the "right time," but beneath these excuses lies a deeper spiritual battle for your purpose and calling. This eye-opening episode reveals how even the smallest delays can derail God's plans for your life and provides biblical strategies to break free from this cycle.

Drawing wisdom from Proverbs 6, we examine the humble ant—a creature with no supervisor yet profound purpose and discipline. What if Christians approached God-given assignments with this same internal motivation rather than waiting for external accountability or validation? The ant teaches us that true wisdom doesn't require constant oversight but responds to divine purpose with consistent action.

The perfectionism trap gets exposed through Ecclesiastes 11:4, where we learn that "whoever watches the wind will not plant." How many ministries never launch, testimonies remain unshared, and callings go unanswered because we're waiting for flawless conditions that will never arrive? God honors motion—even imperfect steps—over perpetual preparation and planning. Your messy first attempt matters more than your perfect intentions.

Most powerfully, we discover in 2 Timothy 1:7 that self-discipline isn't something we manufacture through willpower but a spiritual gift already dwelling within believers. Procrastination isn't your identity; it's a temporary behavior that contradicts the spirit of power God has given you. By reframing everyday tasks as acts of worship and incorporating practical tools like essential oils for focus and clarity, you can transform resistance into reverence.

Ready to move from delay to divine purpose? Take one faithful step today. Whether it's that ministry idea, spiritual practice, or God-prompted project you've been postponing—delay only makes the journey longer. Book your personalized Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour at paulabehrens.com/coaching and discover how to craft a devotional routine that fits your life and empowers consistent action aligned with God's calling.

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Paula Behrens:

Are you tired of putting things off, even the things you know God is calling you to do? What if procrastination isn't just a time management issue but a spiritual battle for your purpose? In today's episode, we're exposing the lies that keep you stuck and uncovering the powerful biblical truth that can break the cycle of procrastination. If you're ready to trade delay for direction, this is the episode you've been waiting for.

Paula Behrens:

When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized, but, truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices.

Paula Behrens:

Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful God-aligned day. I'm Paula and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God, but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

Hey friend, I know what it's like to feel far from God, even when you're doing all the right things. You're showing up, you're praying, you're reading the Bible, but inside something feels disconnected. You wonder if you're doing enough, if God is even listening. You feel a little ashamed that your quiet time isn't what it used to be or what you hoped it would be. Well, I want you to know you're not alone and you're not failing. God isn't asking you for perfection. He's just asking for your presence. That's what the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour is all about, no pressure, no performance, just presence. Let me walk with you into a slower, spirit-led devotional routine that will help you reconnect with the One who's been waiting to refresh your soul all along. Now's the time to say yes to peace, to say yes to presence. Book your Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces).

Paula Behrens:

A ll right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

Are you ready to reclaim your time, purpose and focus? Let's begin by learning from one of God's smallest teachers. Proverbs, chapter 6, verses 6 through 8, says, Go to the ant you sluggard. Consider its ways and be wise. It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. There's something incredibly humbling about being told to learn from a creature as small and seemingly insignificant as an ant. Yet here, in the Wisdom literature of the Bible, God calls our attention to the daily discipline of this tiny insect. Let's take a closer look. The ant has no supervisor, no schedule dictated by someone else, no visible accountability system, and yet it is never idle. It prepares, it stores, it moves with purpose, it has foresight, instinctive wisdom and, perhaps most notably, it doesn't wait to be told what to do. What a powerful model this is.

Paula Behrens:

How often do we rely on deadlines or some sort of external pressure to move us into action? How many God-given assignments, ideas or even ministries have been delayed as we wait for something to push us forward like validation from others? The writer of Proverbs 6 reminds us that a wise heart doesn't wait for external pressure, but instead it responds to an internal purpose. Let's be honest most of us don't have someone looking over our shoulder asking if we prayed today, followed up with that idea God placed in our hearts, finished that blog post, studied the Bible or moved on that ministry plan. We're adults, we're in charge of our time, but just because no one's checking in doesn't mean we're using our time wisely. Like the ant, we're called to be self-motivated stewards of our time. That project God placed on your heart, that's your harvest field, that spiritual discipline you've been postponing for a less busy day, that's your provision store. It's time to stop waiting for a push and start moving forward with a purpose. Ask yourself, what task have I been delaying simply because no one's expecting it from me? And then put your faith into practice. Set one goal each day that no one knows about but you and God. Write it down so you don't forget it and then complete it as an act of obedience.

Paula Behrens:

In Ecclesiastes, chapter 11, verse 4 we hear, Whoever watches the wind will not plant. Whoever looks at the clouds will not reap. This Old Testament book is often called the book of life's realities, and this verse gets right to the point. Waiting for perfect conditions will leave you frozen and not able to go forward. Let's paint the picture. A farmer watches the wind, wondering if it's too strong to sow. He studies the clouds, uncertain whether rain is coming. In doing so, he never gets around to actually planting. The irony? The fear of uncertainty becomes the very thing that guarantees unfruitfulness. That's what is at the heart of procrastination. Perfectionism and procrastination are twin thieves. They rob us of forward momentum and spiritual obedience. We think we're being wise or cautious, waiting for the perfect time, but often we're masking our fears, insecurity and maybe even a lack of faith.

Paula Behrens:

Here are a few real-life examples. You don't start that ministry because your Master of Divinity degree isn't finished. You don't begin journaling because your notebook isn't pretty enough. You don't launch your blog because you think your writing skills aren't perfect yet. You hesitate to join a Christian group because you feel you don't know enough about the Bible. You delay sharing your faith testimony because you're worried it's not dramatic enough. Let me lovingly say this. If you wait for flawless conditions, you will wait forever. The winds of doubt and clouds of fear will always blow across the sky of your purpose. You must plant anyway. Ask yourself, what if I told myself I can't start until everything is just right, then take one messy, imperfect step. God honors motion. If you don't think you're wise enough, ask God for wisdom.

Paula Behrens:

James, chapter 1, verse 5 reminds us, if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all, without finding fault, and it will be given to you. We often think procrastination is purely about laziness, but in reality it can stem from confusion, uncertainty or overwhelm. When the next step isn't clear or when the to-do list feels impossibly long, our default is to do nothing. We freeze, hoping clarity will eventually strike. But James offers us a better solution. He says ask for wisdom.

Paula Behrens:

Here's the good news, God isn't annoyed by neediness. He's generous, he welcomes our questions, he rejoices when we seek him for guidance and he never shames us for not knowing. That means, instead of spinning in circles or falling into shame about our delays, we can simply pause and pray like this: Lord, I don't know where to begin. Please show me. The wisdom you are seeking might come through scripture, a conversation, a sermon or a still small whisper during your quiet time, but when you seek it, Wisdom that is, it will come. And when that Wisdom you are seeking comes, so does clarity. And of course, clarity should be followed by action. Here's something you may find helpful. Build a wisdom check-in into your mornings.

Paula Behrens:

Before opening your calendar, before opening your Bible, ask God, what is the one thing you want me to complete today that aligns with your purpose? Let's take a look at 2 Timothy, chapter 1, verse 7. The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, saying, for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Let's pause here for a moment and internalize something powerful.

Paula Behrens:

Procrastination is not your identity. It is not a personality trait you're stuck with. It is not a life sentence. You are not lazy, unmotivated or broken, because if you are in Christ, you have been given a new spirit, and this spirit is not timid or fearful. It is not passive or aimless. It is full of power, rooted in love and anchored by self-discipline. You heard me right. For Christians, those of us who are in Christ, self-discipline is not something you have to manufacture. It's part of the fruit that's already in you through the indwelling Holy Spirit. But here's the challenge. You have to partner with the Spirit. He will indeed empower you, but you must move, you must live it out.

Paula Behrens:

Discipline isn't about being inflexible or unbending. It's about being aligned with God's will, aligned with your calling, aligned with the rhythm of grace that God bestows upon you. When you choose to show up for your calling, whether it's serving others, praying over your family or pursuing your passion, you're not being strict, you're being Spirit-led. If you are still finding it difficult to move forward, try naming self-discipline as a spiritual gift, not a personal burden. Repeat to yourself often, I have the spirit of self-discipline and I am empowered to act. Repeat it again with me. I have the spirit of self-discipline and I am empowered to act.

Paula Behrens:

Next, let's reframe our everyday work as worship. Paul writes to the believers at Colossae saying, whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. This scripture is the heart of redeemed productivity. It tells us why we act, not for likes, approval or applause, but for the pleasure of our God. When we shift our why, our how transforms as well. Folding laundry becomes worship. Preparing a lesson becomes ministry. Planning your schedule becomes stewardship. It's no longer about checking boxes. It's about honoring Jesus in the mundane and also in the magnificent. Imagine budgeting your finances as an act of worship. Imagine writing a grocery list as a holy task.

Paula Behrens:

This mindset shift removes the desire to procrastinate and replaces it with a desire to move forward with a purpose. When you realize that even small, unseen tasks will glorify the Lord, you stop delaying them and you start delighting in them. Write this phrase at the top of your to-do list: For the Lord. Then notice how your mindset shifts. And continue to remind yourself all day long, this is kingdom work, even if it feels ordinary.

Paula Behrens:

To help overcome procrastination in a faith-filled, holistic way, try incorporating essential oils into your daily routine as a tool for focus, clarity and spiritual grounding. Oils like peppermint, lemon and rosemary are known to stimulate alertness and mental clarity, making them ideal for moments when you're tempted to delay or feel mentally stuck. Before beginning your activity, apply one of these oils to your wrist or diffuse it in your space. As the aroma fills the air, pause and reflect on 2 Timothy, chapter 1, verse 7 which says: For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Breathe deeply and pray, Lord, awaken my spirit, sharpen my mind, give me courage and help me move forward in obedience to your calling.

Paula Behrens:

If today's show has inspired you to connect with God daily, but you're still unsure of where to start, I'm excited to invite you to book an Aroma of Christ coaching hour. During our session together, we'll craft a personalized daily devotional plan using specially designed printable resources, along with the unique benefits of specific essential oils, carefully chosen to create a refreshing and uplifting atmosphere, while enhancing spiritual clarity and focus that will help you hear more clearly the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Whether you're struggling with indecision, feeling overwhelmed or wish to deepen your spiritual journey, this hour is customized to support you exactly where you are. I am looking forward to witnessing the beautiful transformation that unfolds as you say yes to a daily quiet time with your Creator, God. Book your call now at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. Look for a link in the show notes.

Paula Behrens:

Let's not sugarcoat it. Procrastination is often spiritual warfare. The enemy doesn't need to make you sin to derail you. He just needs to make you stall. And delay, though it may seem innocent, is destructive when it keeps you from acting on God's direction. And Satan is subtle. He uses distraction, doubt, overwhelm, fear of failure and even simple busyness to keep us paralyzed. So the next time you sense resistance, confusion or chronic delay, ask yourself, is this a spiritual attack disguised as indecision? Then get on your knees, seek God's truth and act. Even a small act of obedience can neutralize the plans of the enemy.

Paula Behrens:

I want you to consider this, what is the one thing God has placed on your heart that you haven't acted on yet? It doesn't need to be big, it doesn't even need to be public, but it does need to begin. Delay will not make it easier, but obedience will make it worth it. Take the next faithful step and because it's coming from the Holy Spirit within you, I guarantee you that God will meet you where you are, as you covenant with him to take that step forward.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you've enjoyed this episode, we would truly appreciate it if you would take just a few moments to follow the show and leave a review. Also, prayerfully, consider investing just one hour to deepen your faith and nurture your spiritual growth. In your Aroma of Christ coaching hour, you will discover how to craft a personalized devotional routine that will fit perfectly into your busy schedule, incorporate essential oils into your spiritual practices, create an easy-to-follow tracking plan for consistency and learn tried-and-true strategies to experience your quiet time with God not just as a routine but as a joyful journey. Schedule your call now at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching ( no spaces). Be sure to check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.