Page 35 - EW Magazine 5-2 FINAL

extraordinary women Volume 5 I ssue 2 35

asking me for this favor prob-ably won’t be on the receiving end of my stress. It’s the people I love the most who will start getting my worst when I say yes to too many people. Here’s how I will give myself time to make an honest assess-ment: “Thank you for asking me. Let me check in with my family. If you haven’t heard back from me by the end of the week, please connect with me again.” A good verse for this is found in Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Tucked between all the responsibilities she has, this verse reveals her attitude—it says to me that she doesn’t set her heart up to dread what lies ahead.

Make Peace with the Fact Some People Won’t Like Me In an effort to keep my life balanced, I will have to say no to many things. If someone stops liking me for saying no, they will eventually stop liking me even if I say yes right now. There are some people I won’t please no matter how much I give. And some people won’t stop liking me no matter how many no’s I give. My true friends are in that second group, and I love them for that. Here’s a great verse for this: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

Wherever we focus our attention the most will become the driving force in our lives. The more I focus on trying to figure out how to please people, the more of a magni-fied force people pleasing will become in my life. The more I focus on trying to figure out how to please God, the more of a magnified force He will become in my life. Today, join me in making a conscious decision to accept these realities. Embrace your calling to please God first and foremost, and I guarantee the strength of that rip current will begin to lessen. ]

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times best-selling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an

adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey. Each year, Lysa is a featured keynote presenter at more than 40 women’s events. Her new book, Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions , is now available wherever books are sold. For more information on Lysa, her books and speaking schedule, please visit her interactive Web site at LysaTerKeurst. com where she blogs daily.