Taking Steps of Faith Towards Your God-Given Calling

Have you ever had a dream that has been a long time idea, but isn’t reality yet? Maybe you feel like you’ve missed your mark and everyone else seems to be living a life you wish you had. Or you could be saying yes to that dream, but it’s been a daily battle of fear and faith just to keep going. 

Today, I want to share about the purpose of waiting, and the challenges of saying yes, all through what we learned in a new transition that the Lord has called Zach and I into. 

In these first 6 months of marriage, one of the biggest differences for me has been learning to dream together, yet discovering the beauty of how the desires of our hearts work together to further God’s Kingdom. 

My husband, Zach, has the most tender, patient heart for people. For years, one of his biggest dreams was to have more time for relational ministry to meet needs of others past the tangible. Working to provide housing at our local homeless center, He built relationships, yet there was a deeper desire for struggling individuals to encounter Jesus through discipleship and simple house churches. 

Only a few months into marriage, right after we thought we got our budget all planned out, an opportunity for a part-time social work position plopped into our laps.

My honest first reaction? Worry. Fear. Would this even be possible? Should I just take on more clients to pick up the slack? I was leaning on what I could see and what I could do, doubting if God would provide. Saying yes only if invoices were paid and new inquiries were in my inbox.

Through all the tension and doubt, I recognized those familiar heart tugs and the Lord’s still small voice pulling us closer to saying yes. 

Over lots of prayer, whiteboard sessions, tears, and joy, God turned our worries into confidence. There was a newfound excitement for how He could use Zach’s availability to serve others, and how Thuro could be a redemptive avenue to support my best friend’s dream. 

We share this story to inspire, not to compare. To be vulnerable with challenges in the process, rather than only sharing the polished accomplishments. I believe each small yes is an opportunity to encourage us all toward our God-given potential. 

Whatever season you find yourself in with your God-sized dreams, here are three things we learned in the process of taking steps towards ours:

There Is Purpose In Your Waiting

There’s no season in your life that ever goes to waste. God promises to turn everything into good for His glory. There is value in your waiting, and a season for everything.

Take a look at the life of David, or Jesus. There were several years of waiting where the Lord was preparing David to become King and Jesus to become Savior of the world. Often times, God uses our waiting seasons to refine, heal, and equip us for the bigger steps of obedience to come. 

And remember – your calling doesn’t start then, it’s happening now. Don’t despise small beginnings. Great things take time. Wait on the Lord, and He will renew Your strength. (Isaiah 40:31)

It’s Not About What You Do, It’s About Who You Are Becoming

So much of our value and identity can be wrapped around what we do. But before we focus on the doing, we have to constantly learn who we are becoming in Christ. Then, from a place of intimacy with God, we begin to discover a life  towards our purpose to love God and love others.

Before we are business owners, or designers, we are His sons and daughters. He is proud of your progress. And as we seek first the Kingdom, all these things will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33). As we delight in God, He will give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4).

It’s not up to us to do the heavy lifting. As we’re faithful with the little we’ve been given, we can be entrusted with much (Luke 16:10). Trust that He will provide, He will go before You, and that He cares more about your heart more than your productivity.

Stay in your own lane, with your eyes on Jesus, not what everyone else is doing. When you’re walking with Him, He won’t let you miss your mark. 

Daily Obedience Leads To Long Term Obedience

You recognize that familiar heart tug. His still small voice opening the doors to something new, something you may have never done before. Before all the fear and “what-ifs” creep in, remind yourself that the struggle of the disobedience is far greater than the struggle of obedience. 

Your someday may be today, and now is the time the Lord is asking you to take action. Once you’re there, only then you realize the mountain was only a speed bump. You have a new testimony to share in how He will never leave you. Your daily obedience is leading to long term obedience.

Think about it. It all started with your biggest yes to Jesus and that has gotten you where you’re at today. Take heart, He has overcome the world (John 16:33). God will be with you in your future as much as He’s been in your past, and as much as He is right now. God is with you. Go for it, friend. 

This life of faith is a process, and even through the challenges, the Lord is with us every step. I’d love to hear where you’re at with yours! Comment below or share with another friend that needs to hear.