forward

getting where we're called to go

I read this scripture one morning, and immediately posted it on social media to show everyone how spiritual I am. (Sarcasm. That was sarcasm.)

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”

– Genesis 12:1-2

And my question was, how many times has God told us to go and do something, promising His blessing along with it, but we’ve cowed and shrunk back?

How many times have we responded with, “Umm…nah, no thanks. That blessing sounds good, but I’m not sure it’s worth it. Seems like a lot of work and unknowns, and too much risk. Thanks, but I think I’ll pass.”

For as many times as I have obeyed and moved out of the comfort zone, I’ve probably backed out at least twice as often. But for those times I have obeyed, He’s done more than I could’ve dreamed. He’s brought the fire. And He’s still doing it.

I can’t imagine (and I sorta don’t want to imagine) what He would’ve done by now had I not been too afraid to do the other things. But I am so excited for what He’s going to do from here on out.

Because I’ve been through this cycle several times, and here’s what it looks like:

1. God tells me to do something outlandish. Doesn’t matter what it is; it’s been a million different things.

2. I respond with something holy-sounding, like, Are You kidding?! And then I list all my excuses about being unqualified, imperfect, wounded, unprepared, too busy, too young, too old, too tired, etcetera, etcetera.

3. And then we slowly work through it, whatever “it” is.

It’s a nice, easy 3-step process, right? (That was also sarcasm.)

The stuff He’s called you to might be different, but here are some of my biggies: Adoption. Forgiveness. Starting a business. Writing a book. Public speaking. Having more than half a dozen kids. Leading ministry. Childbirth in my blankety-blank forties. Praying with strangers in public. Setting hard boundaries. A bazillion other things that felt Big and New and Scary.

Those are just what we call them on the surface, though. Because what I really had to work through with God were things like fear, intimidation, insecurity, surrender, obedience, and a million big and little lies about my own identity and God’s goodness.

We’ve been through this, over and over and over. So, does it get easier? Yes.

And also, No. Sorry about that.

It gets more difficult because He has this tendency to grow our comfort zone and call us to bigger and harder things.

But it gets easier because we do grow in boldness, and we learn that surrender and obedience are the fastest way forward.

And it’s even easier if someone walks with you through it.

And – picture me here, slumping my head onto my desk in dramatic fashion – He’s been taking me through the process all over again, so here we go.

I’ve been working on something new. And right up front, it’s not for everyone. It’s for those who want to progress in their calling and are ready to do the work to move forward – expanding the Kingdom and growing in maturity and freedom without fear or any other hindrance holding them back anymore.

It’s for those of you who live on mission every day, regardless of your day job, but you still have this restless, hungry longing like you’re called to something more. You’re just not sure how to get there, and you could use some clarity and accountability. And if you’re really honest, some of you feel unqualified and unprepared. It is so overwhelming. And…is it just a dream, anyway? Do those things ever really happen?

Yes. They do. And if He called you to it, you can get there. But like I said, it’s easier if someone walks with you through it.

I’d love to be that someone.

Because – picture me slowly lifting my head off the desk, and wiping crumbs of smuggled tortilla chips to the floor – He is calling me to expand my personal ministry and offer it in a more direct way to as many as I can. Which honestly, in a 1×1 setting, isn’t that many, so that’s extremely limited. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Here’s what it is, and I’ll do my best to keep this from sounding sales-pitchy because, ugh, we hates those.

I’m starting a series called Forward: Content that meets you right where you are and helps you move where He’s called you, available only to premium subscribers by hitting the green button. For those of you who are already premium subscribers (to whom I give my highest devotion and secret pinky shake) you are already set.

Each month I’ll add 2-3 short teachings, strategic questions for you to process, and a Q&A with someone who’s been there, done that, and gotten the grey streak to prove it (that would be me).

And for those who want 1×1 support for a while, there’s a coaching option for women (sorry, guys) to add a 45-minute phone session with yours truly for 6-8 weeks (your choice). And those are the slots that are extremely limited.

This content will help you gain more peace and wholeness (fear and anxiety no longer hijacking your bus), more calm thoughts and actions (less racing overwhelm), and more clarity about your calling (kicking uncertainty and doubt to the curb). We’ll talk about who you are, how God made you, where He’s called you to go, and how you’ll get there — no more shrinking back, you’re heading to the blessing ahead that’s on the other side of obedience — because we’re made to grow forward, but we go farthest together.