“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15, NIV

One way to start something in a positive way is to be determined to do your best. When we try our best, we have confidence that we are doing all we can to be fruitful in our efforts. Even when the outcome isn’t what we hoped, we did our part to make things better.

Sometimes we may not feel like trying. We may have a class that does not feel worth our time and energy, or perhaps we are starting a new project at work or around the house, but we don’t know if it’s worth the effort. However, even if we do not feel like the outcome is worth what we put in, we should make it our goal to try our best at what we have committed to God.

Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Doing our best requires us to have our heart and attitude in the right place. When we view work as a gift in serving the Lord, even if that chapter does not end how we were hoping, we may have peace knowing we honored God with our actions.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3, NIV

Whenever we start something new, we are faced with a choice. We can choose to embark on our new mission with perseverance and diligence or we can choose to start off by barely putting in the minimum effort. Our response to this choice can greatly impact our future and success with the endeavor, whatever it may be.

The Bible makes it clear how we should approach our new endeavors. Proverbs tells us to, “commit to the Lord whatever you do.” We should not give a lukewarm attempt or always take the easy path. By considering God’s will in our lives and committing our actions to Him, we can put our best foot forward and start off on the right track.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” — Isaiah 30:21, NIV

If we are ever struggling with starting off strong or knowing which path to take, we can pray for God’s guidance. Maybe it is not always clear to us how or where to begin. That is completely okay because we do not need to have all the answers.

We can just lean into God’s Word and what we know is right and trust Him to give us guidance. Sometimes we must take it step-by-step, do the best we can and seek God in the waiting.

Do you want to put your best foot forward when it comes to your education? Grand Canyon University is proud to offer online and on-campus degree programs that fit your needs. To find out if GCU is right for you, click on the Request Info button at the top of your screen. Check out GCU’s Weekly Devotionals or Theology Thursday blogs to read more faith-based content.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” — Hebrews 12:1, NIV

Putting our best foot forward requires us to persevere. It is a sad reality, but life can be difficult and not everything that is worthwhile is easy. In fact, sometimes the best things can be the hardest, whether it is earning a degree, starting a business, building relationships or growing in our faith.

We can’t take a half-hearted approach to things that matter. We must be willing to push forward through the bumps in the road and “run with perseverance.” At times, we may realize we are taking the wrong path in life or God is calling us to switch our approach. As long as we are following God’s will and word, we can proceed with strength and confidence.