Stepping Into the Unknown | New Beginnings 💕
How would your life be different if you decided to step out of the boat and started to walk on water? 🌊
This “boat” could be your comfort zone, old habits, negative mindsets, or relationships that impede your growth.
At the beginning of the year, I received a revelation from the Lord how there were going to be major shifts happening in my life (aka plenty of new beginnings.) ✨
During the 100 days of social media fasting (From January-mid April 2022), I was being prepared spiritually and mentally for what is to come. I wrote in my journal of what the Lord was saying to me daily and weekly. He spoke through dreams, visions, and confirmations through His word.
10 Months later (in October now) God has brought so many changes to the critical aspects of my life: from career, personal health, relationships, church ministry, and even the not-so-important parts of my life.
Such as finding a new hairdresser and turning into an apple person. 🍎 (Fun Fact: I have always been an android owner and never been an apple person until this very year. All thanks to my brother & sis-in-love). 🙃
Frankly, the changes happening in my life were not a shock to me. Rather God was unveiling His wonderful plans gradually month by month. I can attest that His word always comes to pass. There is no doubt about it. It was just a matter of when and how it was going to happen.
Our priorities and the decisions we make daily reflect who takes pre-eminence in our lives. If the Lord directs our daily steps and He delights in every detail of our lives, why then, should you and I fear for what's to come? (Psalm 37:23) We can rest assured that God will lead us to the best pathway of life.
Even if we do make a wrong choice halfway through and stumble due to our own mistakes or stubbornness, we will never fall, for the Lord holds us by the hand. Can you just picture a loving and gracious Father who is holding His child's hand and guiding them step by step?
What I love most about our Heavenly Father is that He will never leave us alone. Even when you're feeling depressed, lonely, or angry, He is always ready to comfort you with His everlasting love.
Every time I can't put into words what I'm upset or frustrated about, I just cry out to God. Not long after, I can feel His permeating warmth of love hugging me and reminding me of His beautiful promises.
When we chose to walk the path of righteousness, we bring glory and honor to King Jesus! 🙌🏻👑
This year I’ve learned that your destiny and its fulfillment are tied very closely to whether you choose God’s choice for you or not.
We need godly wisdom. It is imperative to have godly counsels which can direct and confirm what God has placed inside of our hearts. ❤️
"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." (Proverbs 19:20, 21)
How often do we listen to the advice of our leaders? Have we obeyed what the Lord instructed us to do in the previous season? Have we made our own plan or final decision before consulting with the Lord? I don't think it's a coincidence that the book of Proverbs contains 31 chapters reflecting the total days available in each month.
God understands how important it is for us, His people to walk in wisdom. So because of His loving-kindness, He gave us an instruction manual on how to live this life in the form of a book, the Bible.
Just like how we eat a regular meal every day, it is also necessary for us to consume His word on a daily basis. It's what nourishes our spirit, mind, and soul. Besides His word is like a love letter for you and me. 💌 The more you spend time reading His letters, the more you'll fall deeply in love with Him.
We are also not created to live here on earth alone. God speaks through a community of believers so that we can learn from each other and receive instruction on how to live a pleasing and honorable life to Him.
Now, what is required to step out into the unknown?
Daring faith.
Daring Faith = when your complete trust in JESUS cannot be limited by anything or anyone.
Would you rather choose to step out and find out OR be crippled by the endless possibilities of “what ifs?”
- What if I fail?
- What if I heard God wrong?
- What if my decision backfires?
- What if they leave me?
- What if I end up being alone?
God is such a gracious and patient Father who is constantly watching over us. As long as our hearts are submissive to His will, nothing can stop us from fulfilling the great call of God.
As we set our eyes and focus on loving Jesus, we begin to see how exquisite His plan is for our life. Life gets more exciting day by day, month by month, and year by year.
Being passionate about what you do is essential; if you are, then you will grow and learn exponentially. Simply step out and find out. Every day is a journey full of new discoveries so take joy in knowing your purpose and existence here on earth.
You have been fashioned with special gifts, veritable talents, unique personalities, and copious creativity to make this world a better place.
Only you can do what you were designed to do. Be intentional and work on the assignment attached to your name. You are indeed a masterpiece formed by the beautiful Creator.
Here are several questions to ask yourself when stepping out into the unknown:
1.) What are you most passionate about?
2.) What makes your heart sing?
3.) Why are you wired authentically different from others around you?
4.) What are some thoughts that keep you awake at night?
5.) When was the last time you had an impossible dream or desire to achieve one day?
6.) How are you growing from your circle of friends?
7.) Have you poured into others just as much as you’ve been receiving?
8.) How can you help others discover their fullest potential and win in life?
God has a funny way of surprising you in the most unexpected ways. When you begin to use what you have at your disposal, you will then see the multiplication happening and have a greater impact on the people around you.
So take inventory today of what you got. It may not be much in comparison to other people, so what? What is yours is from God, and as long as we are faithful with the little we have, God will surely entrust us with the more that He has in store.
Quit comparing and start working on your God-given portion. The more focused you are on what is reserved for you, the more steady progress you will see eventually.
Stay faithful and be fruitful in every season of life. 🤍
Furthermore, never allow other people’s opinions or perspectives to limit you from pursuing your God-given destiny.
If you noticed people are starting to talk bad about you or starting to distance themselves from you, then perhaps it’s a good sign you are progressing forward!
It shows how you are going the extra mile to do the will of God while the naysayers are behind you being complacent and judging you for changing, and making them uncomfortable with your wonderful results.
Not all the people who started with you will finish with you. I learned this the hard crushing way. Sometimes God allows the closest relationships to be removed out of your life so then God can bring the right people into your life.
Yes, we are called to love everybody. Nonetheless, when I mention a close circle of friends, I mean the people you go to for decision-making, wise counsel, and who God uses to develop your character through pruning.
If you notice how your close circle of friends gets envious or upset when you are receiving promotions or moving forward in life, then maybe you just need to find better friends.
Ultimately we become more of who we hang out with.
The more you spend your time with an unhealthy, negative, toxic, selfish, greedy, self-focused, worldly group of friends, I'm sorry to say but you will be just like them in no time.
On the other hand when you spend most of your time with healthy, positive, growing, successful, generous, kind, God-loving individuals then the more you will become like one of them very soon.
Genuine friends will cheer you on when you succeed in life and will reach out, encourage, and comfort you when you are at your lowest point in life.
Master the art of goodbyes. It is awful but necessary at the same time. 👋🏻
Learn to say “Thank you for the lessons you’ve taught me over the years. I’m sorry if I’ve ever hurt you in the past, it was never my intention for our relationship to end this way. However, if you are unwilling to grow, be honest, and work this out together with me then I must say goodbye to you. It is for our own good and sanity. I only wish the very best for you in the future.” ❤️ This my friend is called setting a boundary.
Letting go of the past to be in the present is crucial for your well-being. Be grateful for the precious memories and be expectant for the new adventures and opportunities that God has for you.
Enrich your life with people who truly love you for who you are. You begin to bloom beautifully when you are surrounded by people who value and push you to your highest potential.
Disloyal “Friends” who are intimidated by your growth are frankly insecure about themselves. They constantly compare and compete with you because they don’t realize the specific calling and gifting the Lord has placed in their life.
Separation is sometimes required before acceleration happens. So run your race and focus on your lane.
Lastly, make room for the impossible. God is not finished working, transforming, and blessing you, my friend. Keep pressing forward and step into the unknown, exciting, & blissful journey with the Lord.
It is so much more fun and fulfilling when we obey HIS way.
Serving & Loving Well,
Sharon 🤍