“So too, faith, if it does not have works (to back it up), is by itself dead (inoperative and ineffective).” — James 2:17
“Don’t wait for the perfect time — move, and the light will follow.” Rev. Sheila P. Spencer
Sometimes we have to say no — even to beautiful things — and choose stillness. This week, I was reminded that just as stillness has its place, motion also has its purpose.
Recently, I was in a hotel room, wrapped in stillness. It was late, the room was dark, and I was exhausted. I had to go to the bathroom, but before I could touch anything, something happened.
As soon as my feet touched the floor, a small light clicked on and lit a path to the bathroom.
The light didn’t appear until I moved.
I’ve also been in an office before, working quietly, when suddenly the lights go out. Not because the power failed, but because I had been still too long. The motion sensor didn’t detect me, so it shut the lights off. My natural reaction? I started waving my hands in the air — just to get the light to come back on.
The light didn’t appear until I moved.
That moment made me think about life, dreams, and these scriptures:
- “Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
- “So too, faith, if it does not have works (to back it up), is by itself dead (inoperative and ineffective).” James 2:17
Dreaming alone is not enough. An imperfect plan in motion is worth more than a perfect plan collecting dust. Don’t wait for the perfect time — move and the light will follow. Perfectionism will keep the lights off. Movement activates them.
These scriptures remind us that our faith should activate actions. I think about a note I wrote to myself beside a scripture commentary that spoke about the danger of inertia — being someone who just talks about dreams but never follows through. I wrote, “This is not me!!!”
In a recent sermon, the preacher reminded us that Jesus didn’t wait until the disciples were perfect before He called them. Likewise, if we wait for perfect conditions, we will never get things done.
This past week, my body and spirit were still — not because I was storing up energy for the next big thing, but because I am already worthy of rest. We all are. We don’t rest just so we can be “productive” later. We rest because God calls us worthy, period.
In that stillness, I received so much: fresh ideas, spiritual downloads, clarity. I wouldn’t have received it otherwise. But when I began to write, speak or take action on what I’d received, it was like that motion-activated light — things illuminated in ways they couldn’t before.
Don’t wait for the perfect time — move and the light will follow. Someone is waiting on the other side of your imperfect plan … Purpose over perfection wins every time.
Rest.
Receive.
Then move.
The light won’t come on until you do.
God,
Thank You for reminding us that You honor both our rest and our motion. Help us to embrace the stillness when we need it and to take steps of faith when You call us forward. Teach us to release the need for perfection and trust that You will light the way as we move. May our faith always be alive, active and reflected in our works.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Rev. Sheila P. Spencer is an educator, minister, storyteller and writer. Stay connected to her at www.sheilapspencer.com and custommadeinspiration@gmail.com.
