For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. — Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)
Do you have a dream? Something you feel called to do? Something you really enjoy doing? Something you might even feel gifted to do? But you’re not doing it? Why not?
- Maybe you feel you just don’t have the time.
- Maybe you feel you’re not good enough or that surely someone else could do a better job.
- Maybe you just don’t know where to begin.
Did you know that . . .
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. — Romans 12:6-8 New International Version (NIV)
God wants us to use our gifts to serve Him and serve others. Confidence in these gifts is not conceit; it is acknowledging all good things (including our gifts and talents) are from God and allowing ourselves to be used by God to share His love in service to others.
I know this isn’t easy, but accepting the talents God’s given you is the first step to fulfilling His purposes for your life.
It took me a long time to convince myself God gifted me with a message to share and a talent for writing. Even in writing that last sentence, it feels boastful, but I had to accept and acknowledge my God-given talents before He could work through me. Once I did, things started to fall into place, after I first took a small step in the right direction.
God’s plan for me to blog wasn’t going to happen overnight. It’s a process, and I still have a lot to learn. But to start, I had to take one small step of faith at a time.
You too need to . . . Just.Do.Something. Here are some examples:
- Maybe you need to do some housekeeping to find a place to fulfill this new dream. I had a lot of organizing to do so I could set up an office to make a space more conducive to my blogging.
- Maybe you need to better educate yourself about that gift. I’ve been taking online classes, watching videos, and listening to podcasts about blogging.
- Maybe you need to find someone who will support and encourage you to act. Thankfully, I’ve gotten a lot of support for my new adventure in blogging from my friends and family. I also found several groups on Facebook that provide support and encouragement from writers and aspiring writers.
- Maybe you need to work on your health so you have the energy to do what God’s calling you to do. If you’re tired and rundown all the time, it will be hard to get yourself motivated to take even the smallest steps toward your goals. I’m still working on this one, but doing something you love so much also gives you that needed boost.
- Maybe you just need to tell yourself “Today is the day” and Just.Do.Something.
Take a small step, and trust me, any sized step can move in the direction you are headed. Small steps or big steps in the same direction will get you to the same destination.
Most importantly, pray for guidance to know what to do, when and how, and to have the courage to use the gifts He gave you.
I’ve done that throughout my learning process of blogging, and I can honestly say I’ve felt God leading me every small step of the way. Just as I’m feeling overwhelmed and wondering what to do next, He clears my mind and points me to the next key piece of learning or shows me what step to take next.
So I encourage you to let God walk you through whatever it is He has for you. Take that first small step and Just.Do.Something. You’ll be amazed at what you and God can do!
