Daring to Press on in Faith: My Story

Studies have labeled millennials as the generation who values purpose over paychecks. We are go-givers just as much as we are go-getters.

You’ve met these pioneers of purpose before–your ex-coworker with a full-time job, a wife, and new baby who still manages to create dazzling paintings for his Art Exhibits as a passion project. The two young women who are killing it at their full time jobs and building their sustainable cosmetics empire on the side; your BFF who is paving the way as a curve model to promote self love in an industry founded on unrealistic expectations.

These pioneers of purpose inspire us because despite everything this world has said or thrown at them, they’ve dared to press on in Faith.

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

So if you’re like me, you’ve been meeting these game changers, listening to the podcasts, and reading all the self-help books. And no–you don’t exactly know what your purpose is, but yes–you have a vision of it and you have this “If not now, then when?” quote marinating in your mind. You’re ready to press forward and make God-given dreams happen.

First off, CONGRATS. You took the leap! Most people convince themselves to quit before they even reach this step.

Now you’re here with me and a ton of other cool people who recently took this leap of faith. And we’re all chilling in this huge expansive ocean of “What’s Next?”

At first it’s thrilling, liberating, and you look into the horizon and all you can see is endless possibility. But then one day, fear sets in and you start thinking… Was this the right dream that I followed? Is God’s hand really upon this? Did I go about this responsibly? Am I burdening others with the dream?

Following God’s will is not for the fickle-hearted. People who fulfill their dreams have a mental grind that’s just as real as their work grind. Below are the methods I am using to get my mind, body, and spirit right and tight to keep pressing on into my purpose.

I can’t put into words how transforming it’s been for my life thus far.

…and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:19

I can’t explain it, I can only pray that everyone will be able to experience His love, and how it feels to go through this life as the absolutely best version of ourselves- that is, the version God designed us to be. I think the world could use a little more of that, too.

Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matthew 5:48

What worked for me:

• Prayer
• Reading
• GOOD company
• Meditation

Prayer

When I first settled back into my parents home and had quiet time, I just prayed, prayed, prayed… and prayed some more. I didn’t even know exactly what to pray for, but I believed that God knew my heart and would hear my cry. I asked Him to give me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. To make me more like Him, and to chisel away at anything that wasn’t like Him. I asked God to send me a vision for my life. I was willing to put in the work, but I wanted to be clear what I was working towards had God’s blessing upon it.

And the more I prayed, the more I saw God showing up in all areas of my life–career, dating, health, wellness… everything. The more I saw how my life was panning out when I Let Go and Let God–the more enchanted I became by Him.

Reading

Instead of using all my unemployed freedom soaking up the sun, I decided I would hit up the local library and read from authors like Anthony Robbins, Brene Brown, Jen Sincero, Napoleon Hill…

I almost used these books as free coaching courses with these authors because I was able to:

• Gain reassurance that I am not the only one who’s ever had a crazy idea and made it work.
• Learn skills and strategies to get/keep my mind, body, and spirit in tip-top shape.
• Drink from the fountain of their wisdom. These are all people who make way above my pay grade and are living their best lives, so I’m going to pay attention to how they did it and lessons they learned on their journey.

Good Company

I can’t stress this enough. I surrounded myself with people who lifted up my spirit and simply made me feel good inside. I realized that when you love wholeheartedly–you attract that love right back! I’m not an expert on the subject so I can’t even explain it, but I can tell you it’s real! Time is precious–don’t go wasting it with people who take you for granted or who don’t speak to you in love, whether you are on the right path or not.

Meditation

Now that I have a vision of God’s will for me planted in my heart–I meditate upon the vision every morning. I believe it is already available for me. I just need to trust God will lead me to it in His timing.

I pray that when you find yourself treading in the ocean of “What’s Next?” that you breathe and meditate on this truth:

When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and through the rivers they shall not overflow you – Isaiah 43:2

God is with you, He loves you, and He wants you to wave your white flag in surrender to Him.

Xx,

Grace