During a recent quiet time, Barbara Hemphill experienced a small but profound shift in perspective that she felt compelled to share.

As she prepared for her day, she noticed a familiar mental script playing in the background:
“I should finish editing that book.”
“I need to call Anne.”

These thoughts came with a weight—an undercurrent of pressure and obligation. But then, something stirred in her memory: a conversation from her Monday morning Bible study.

What if, instead of saying “I should,” she said, “I want to”?
What if, instead of “I have to,” she said, “I will”?

Barbara realized in that moment: that shift changes everything.

The Weight of Obligation vs. the Power of Intention

Words like “I should” and “I have to” carry pressure. They feel heavy, like chores that must be done, rather than choices made from the heart.

But “I want to” and “I will”?
Those are statements of intent.
They reflect alignment with purpose and a spirit of willingness.
They say: I’m in. I choose this.

A Verse to Remember

Barbara reflects on Philippians 2:13:

“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”

This verse is a beautiful reminder that God isn’t simply giving us tasks to complete—He’s shaping our desire to do them. He’s working in us—not just through us. But He doesn’t force our participation. 

We must choose to walk with Him—one step at a time.

A Gentle Challenge from Barbara

Barbara invites you to try something simple but transformative:

The next time you hear yourself say:
“I should…” or “I have to…”
Pause.

Ask God to help you shift the language of obligation to the language of desire and intention:

“I want to…”
“I will…”

That’s where joy begins.
That’s how we move not just toward God's purpose—but with Him.

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