I’d almost talked myself out of it.
First, I ignored it. Then I dragged my feet. Eventually, I acquiesced to what God had told me to do months before. Then I sat on it… for like a year. When God wouldn’t let me off the hook, I reluctantly began again. And then when I’d almost finished, I stalled out of fear. I almost pulled the plug and chickened out entirely. Finally (read: today) I realized with a little help from Dad that I have NO BUSINESS second-guessing myself. And neither do you.
Here’s the thing…
I already have all the answers I need. And I’m willing to bet you do, too.
Have you ever drowned yourself in research and scoping and learning and planning to equip yourself for whatever it is you feel called to do, only to realize the experts and master classes and influencers you’re looking to don’t really have it all together like you think they do (or think they’ll be able to help you arrive to that “made it” or “qualified enough” or “I’m ready now” place you feel so far from)?? Ummm yeah. My. Life. But there’s nothing like a typo in that master class workbook you got from that guru you’re following to remind you that they, too, are human… and probably just as unsure of themselves as you are at times. And yet, they’re doing it. And we’re not because… why again? There’s no good reason. Let’s change that STAT.
Now, it’s definitely wise to learn all you can and have a plan before just jumping out there. But there is a point where we can take it too far – when we linger too long in Researchville and find ourselves on an indefinite layover at Procrastination Station. The truth is, when God calls us to do something, He either already has given us what we need, plans to empower us on the journey, or plans to make it happen Himself, through us and in spite of us (in my experience, it’s usually all three). Yet we FREAK OUT like ummm God, do You knowww who You’re talking to?? Me?? Let me give you all the reasons why not (as if He doesn’t already know all that…) But guess what?? He chose me anyway. And He chose you, too.
Your purpose is unique to you. He won’t call anyone else to do what He’s put on your heart to do. You are who you are and you are where you are for this very reason. Sure, maybe people out there are doing similar things at different levels, but remember this: NO ONE can do it like you will. And you will. Because God is with you and He promised to help you every step of the way.
“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV)
A little perspective from Dad…
He asked me what was going on in my world, like he always does. And basically I confessed that I’m still sitting on the one thing God told me to do literally YEARS ago. I’ve made some progress, but I’m still kind of definitely dragging my feet because quite honestly, I’m scared of putting myself out there like this.
I told Dad that never before in my life have I ever felt like I couldn’t do something – that’s not how I was raised. Never have I ever questioned my abilities or doubted that I could achieve something I’d set my mind to… until this. Questions like Who am I to do this?? Have plagued my mind for far too long and paralyzed me from moving forward. Dad wasn’t about to let that slide.
“So… you never questioned or feared having a baby – bringing life into this world and caring for it; the biggest responsibility there is – but you’re doubting your ability to produce a material thing? Am I talking to Kendall??”
Now of course I’ve had my fair share of anxieties about being a good mom to Jeremiah, but I never once considered not having a baby because I didn’t think I could do it. I just figured if God saw fit to bless us with a child, He’d give us all we needed to be the best he or she could have. How I missed the application of that logic to every other dream or goal God has given me to pursue is beyond me. (Thanks, Dad!)
I don’t know who my dad was talking to in that moment. That’s never been me. And I refuse to let it be me now. Don’t let it be you, either.
Getting my life… for real this time.
As Sunday night service drew to a close, Pastor Sean made a really salient point. After hearing testimonies from those who attended North American Youth Congress – those who received calling, clarity and confirmation – he reminded us all that just heeding the call wasn’t enough. We have to move forward and actually live in it to make it worth something. That’s what I’m doing from here on out. And that’s what I’m encouraging you to do.
So, what is it that’s holding you back?
I can almost guarantee, whatever it is, it’s a lie from the enemy.
Is it a belief that you’re not enough? Lie! Read this.
Is it a feeling that what you’ve been called to do is just too big and too heavy and too overwhelming to take on? Lies! Read this.
Is it a sense of frustration that, try as you might, nothing’s really working the way you believed God said it would? Lie! Whether you see it yet or not, it IS happening! Read this.
Is it a fear of trying again* after the last time you didn’t get the response you expected or had hoped for? Don’t be discouraged! Keep pushing. And read this.
*This is something I struggle with almost daily. Here’s the Scripture I keep going back to in order to stay focused, motivated and faithful:
Do not remember the former things, Or ponder the things of the past. Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:18-19 (AMP)
Don’t let yesterday’s results dissuade you from pushing forward in your purpose today. Your past experiences are perspective, not prescriptive. They cannot dictate your future unless you choose to wallow in them.
.
So… WHAT IS IT?!?
Ha.. right.. that. I guess I can’t go on about all of the above without actually spilling, huh? Can you tell I’m still stalling/anxious/nervous/mildly freaked out by all this? Yeah. I am. Everything you just read was REAL for me. Like right now real. But here goes…
I wrote a book.
There, I said it.
Ok seriously. It’s the perfect combination of a devotional and a no-excuses fire under your butt that’s about discovering your God-given mission and purpose and crafting an action plan for living it out every single day of your life. It’s a message that is for me, if no one else. If you let it, it’ll totally transform your perspective on purpose and your understanding of just how much of an impact you can make on this world, with God’s help. And it’s totally practical. None of that all theory, no application nonsense. This is real.
I’ll be finishing up my final edits this week (ahhh!) so keep an eye out on Instagram and Twitter for more info on the release date! Also, make sure you’re subscribed because not only will you get even more realness like this post here but I’ll also be sharing exclusive book previews and preorder bonuses via email. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out! Just enter your info in the box below this post! Easy peasy.
I’m excited to hear about what you’re up to!
Shoot me an email or drop me a note in the comments below and tell me what you’re working on, running from, or coming to terms with surrounding your calling and your purpose. What’s the one thing that would really help push you forward? I can’t wait to hear from you!