Doing All the Things—Except the One That Matters
“Consistently Inconsistent”
On a Tuesday morning, I found myself scrolling through social media. I came across a few familiar accounts—people who appeared to be quite successful. I sat my phone down—not out of envy, but in quiet curiosity—as I imagined how they likely got there—through consistency, a clear vision, and a strong sense of purpose guiding their steps.
It made me reflect on my own path. Do I live with that kind of clarity and focus—so rooted in vision and purpose that I keep showing up, even when progress feels slow or recognition is scarce?
As much as I’d like to say that describes my life—it doesn’t.
Over the years, I’ve poured energy into many things. Some with passion, others not so much and often without a clear "why." When I didn’t see quick results or get praise from others, I slowly stopped showing up.
Take fitness, for example. I’ve worked out off and on, but never with consistent rhythm or a purposeful eating strategy.
I’ve dabbled in hobbies like running an antique booth, multi-level-marketing, and writing. I invested time when inspiration struck. Those efforts brought some results, but nothing that truly stuck.
Some of those hobbies had real potential. Even the chance to become something meaningful. What would’ve happened if I had truly committed my time and attention? I didn’t stay with them long enough to find out.
As I sat there feeling disappointed in myself, I prayed, “God, I want to be used by You. I want to know I’m valued. Is there a greater plan for my life?
I was acting as if external results were proof that I was aligned with His purpose for my life.
What if my confidence isn’t supposed to come from results or recognition—but from obedience?
Jesus didn’t need fame or applause to know He was aligned with the Father or doing the right thing. He often chose to meet in quiet with His disciples—on lonely waters or at the well during a time when no one else would be there. He didn’t need eyes on Him to know He had been given purpose, plan, and authority by God.
It makes me wonder: What if the things we pursued weren’t motivated by the need to be accepted or validated—but by a desire to be faithful?
What if the reward is in being steady—living from a place of purpose—even when no one’s watching?
Instead of pouring energy into what looks promising from the outside, what if we began each day by asking:
“God, where do You want me to show up?” “What’s Your plan for this season of my life?”
When you and I anchor our direction to His plan, we stop building on a foundation of applause. We start building on the unshakable truth of His love for us.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
Let’s flip the script and define a new measure of success. Old thought: “Did they say I did a good job?” “Did they like how I did that?”
New thought: “Am I walking faithfully in what He’s called me to do today?”
That shift has helped calm the emotional roller coaster. I still experience ups and downs. But here’s what I’m learning:
When my eyes are on Him, I’m free from chasing results for validation. I’m walking with God—not performing for others.
Reflection Question
Where are you chasing results or recognition—and what would it look like to shift toward faithful, quiet obedience instead?
Take a moment today to pause, pray, and lean into the plan He already has for you. You might just find the consistent confidence your heart has been longing for.
Heavenly Father, we bring You our desire to be successful, seen as valuable, and deeply loved. Please bring us back to what’s important. Help us trust Your plan for our lives. With that, we will walk in faith and confidence. Amen.
