In reading through the Gospels, we can easily miss Jesus’ “pause points” along the way. These are the times he took to reflect and recalibrate. By doing this, he was able to then move forward with confidence and courage.

Some examples of Jesus taking these “pause points” from the book of Mark include: Mark 1:35, 4:10, 4:35, 6:31, 6:45.

In Luke 5:16 it even states: “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”

If Jesus did this OFTEN, how much more important is this for us?

How do you Stop, Reflect, Discern and Decide?

As we are now halfway through the year, take your own “pause point” by using our Five Capitals Mid-Year Planning Tool: Stop, Reflect, Discern and Decide. Reflect on these questions we have put together:

STOP

Do you regularly get away to:

• Discern where you’re at?
• What God’s up to?
• How He’s calling you to proceed?

REFLECT

Dive deeper and ask yourself:

• What are the big things has God done the first 6 months of the year?
• Who has been the most beneficial or impactful within your friendships?
• Where has God been the most at work?
• How has God been changing and transforming you?

In light of your responses, now use the following questions to recalibrate your goals and priorities for the rest of the year:

DISCERN 

Use these questions to recalibrate:

• Where’s the grace out ahead of me? Personally? As a Family? Professionally?
• What do I feel called to “Go For” or “Go After” in this next season?
• Who are the people I want to journey with and stay connected to? Are there people I want get closer to? Or need to distance myself from?

DECIDE

Consider these questions as you now take next steps:

• What do I: Maximize? Minimize? Move into? Move out of?
• How do I get started?
• Are there clear next steps?

As followers of Jesus, we are called live like him. When we take time to Stop, Reflect, Discern and Decide, we can move forward with courage and confidence just like Jesus did.