Mindset, words, and the inner voice we speak to ourselves with is so important. It is estimated that we speak to ourselves (through our thoughts) at a rate of over 4,000 words per minute. This inner dialog influences how we live our lives. Are we gracious with our mistakes? Do we belittle ourselves and our efforts? Word choice matters internally with how we define a situation and externally in how we invite others to share our experiences.

In our family, we strive not to use the word QUIT when something is hard, but instead use PAUSE or SHIFT when needed. Maybe math is really hard. We can’t quit math, but we can pause, move around, and come back to it that day or another. Perhaps a job or career path isn’t quite serving our family the way we hoped it would. Quitting has a negative connotation, when really, a SHIFT to a new job or career could be the greatest blessing. There are many instances during Jesus’ time on earth when He modeled a PAUSE or a SHIFT. Let’s look at a couple.

PAUSE

Jesus frequently took time to retreat from the crowds, pray, and spend time with God. That meant the sick were left unhealed, messages ended before the crowd was satisfied, possibly disciples felt like questions were unanswered. God’s son knows how important it is to pause — even in the midst of a really important, life-changing ministry and He modeled it often. Here are a few of many examples: 

• Luke 5:16: “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray”. 
• Mark 6:46: “After bidding them farewell, He went up on the mountain to pray”. 
• Matthew 14:23: “And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray”. 
• Mark 1:35: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed”. 

Jesus only had a short time on Earth to do some of the most life-changing work known to man, Despite the fact His service was needed all the time all over the world, Jesus taught us the importance of taking a break. 

When might a PAUSE be needed? 

• When you are burnt out and exhausted (Elijah – 1 Kings 19)
• Big plans are in place and you are ready to step out in faith (the book of Nehemiah)
• Temptation is before you and you don’t initially see the way out (pause, pray, and look because there is a way out – 1 Corinthians 10:13)
• Grief is overwhelming (Matthew 4:12)

SHIFT

In addition to pausing, Jesus often called for people to make shifts. When Jesus first called his disciples, He didn’t say, quit your jobs and follow me. He called for them to shift, instead of fishing for fish, follow me and fish for men. It wasn’t quitting, but a professional upgrade of sorts. Here are some other examples of shifts that Jesus encouraged:

• Luke, a doctor by trade, was called and taught how to bring people to the spiritual healer Jesus – the great physician (the book of Luke)
• Paul shifting the message he was teaching after encountering Jesus (the book of Acts)
• Family transitions (when Jesus was dying He asked John to consider Mary to be his mother and for His mother to shift and now see John as her son – John 19:26-27)

When might a SHIFT be needed?

• You feel called to do more or serve God in a greater way (see the advice given to the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-30)
• You are spinning your wheels (shift your focus and efforts / cast your net on the other side – John 21:6)
• Sin has you ensnared – turn your eyes back to God and sin no more (woman at the well – John 8:11).
• Life circumstances have changed (births, deaths, etc) – (the book of Ruth)
• Your efforts are not being appreciated (don’t throw your pearls before swine – Matthew 7:6 and shake the dust from your feet – Matthew 10:14)
• Thoughts are dragging you down (Phillipians 4:8)

God has graciously demonstrated through these accounts and many others that we do indeed have everything we need for life and godliness. He knew there were times we’d be burnt out, other times we might be spinning our wheels ineffectively. He knew we’d need PAUSES and SHIFTS in order to navigate changing seasons and unpredictable circumstances. Praise God for His example and provision!

I am personally at a point where it’s time for a shift and a pause. This will be the last Along the Way article I write for now as I shift my focus to my next book (Lord-willing released this fall) and step into a larger role in our local Classical Conversations homeschool group. I am grateful for the time I’ve been able to work with the fantastic team at Come Fill Your Cup and I know God will continue to use these talented women in powerful ways. Much love!

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Kristin Arbuckle

Kristin Arbuckle is a writer, designer, photographer, and homeschooling mama. She and her husband, Andrew, studied at Bear Valley Bible Institute, served as missionaries in Hawaii, and worked with a church plant in Omaha before moving back to Michigan to be closer to family. Kristin enjoys art, traveling, and spending time in God’s beautiful world. She recently published her first book, Where Hope Grows Free.

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