Sometimes, when I look at a new task or challenge, I feel paralyzed. Not sure of what to do, or afraid of what I know I should do, I hesitate and do nothing. I procrastinate. I put it off hoping it will all just go away.

I might put off:

• Going to the dentist. – I mean who really loves going to the dentist?
• Cleaning a closet. – Instead it’s easier to hope the mess goes away.
• Calling the Dr. – Setting up appointments for checkups is a pain.
• Writing a new chapter – I love writing but sometimes a new chapter feels intimidating.
• Restoring a relationship – Hurt feelings are hard to fix so I put off the necessary steps to restoring the relationship.

This morning, I was reading in John 5:1-8. A man who was paralyzed for 38 years couldn’t or wouldn’t make himself get into the pool where people often got healed. When Jesus saw him He asked him this poignant question, “Do you want to get well?” Ah, such a powerful question. Jesus might ask those of us who procrastinate a similar question:

Do you want your teeth to be healthy? Do you want your closet clean? Do you want to keep your body healthy? Do you want to write that book? Do you want that relationship healed? 

Jesus told the paralytic, Get up! Pick up your mat and walk! In other words, “Get Moving!”

As I was reflecting on this early this morning, I think there’s a lesson in this passage for those of us who procrastinate. Get moving! Do the thing you dread. Take action. Maybe that’s picking up the phone or pulling out your computer. Maybe it’s heading with a trash bag to your closet or heading to your calendar to make that Dr. appointment. Whatever it is, take action today.

What are some of the things you procrastinate doing?  Leave a comment. We can encourage each other. Fellow procrastinators, unite! I’ll be giving away one copy of either The 30 Day Praise Challenge or The 30 Day Praise Challenge For Parents to one person who leaves a comment.