“Know what you believe” – Taking ownership and responsibility for my actions has always been part of my work ethic (legacy from my parents) but it has not always spilled over into other areas of my life.
1993 – At the end of myself, I reached out to God – my last remaining life line. Although I had known Him all my life, He wasn’t my go-to when life got hard or even when I had questions. I looked to the people around me – those that I felt were more knowledgeable, wiser and more qualified. With the exception of my work and my children, I was content to be a spectator in most areas of my life – believing the majority – trusting tradition/culture to be truth.
When my support systems suddenly crashed around me, I turned to God and probably for the first time since my childhood, I listened for His response. “Know what you believe.” That was not the response I was looking for but it has proven to be what I call a time-released message – one that releases new insight even today. At first I knew it had to do with my faith. What did I believe and why. I began with God’s Word – the Bible. The first verse He downloaded gave me hope..
“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
My quiet times with Him became my university. I learned to listen, to journal, to explore my questions. The more I stored God’s Word in my heart the more I understood. While I continued to seek those in authority for answers, my newly discovered gift of discernment helped me identify truth from tradition – from lies.
The words “Once you know the truth, you are responsible for it” followed. I remember the first time I took responsibility for my choice in church selection. I was in a new city, alone and away from family and friends. I had interviewed the Pastor – asked him some faith questions – the response had left me uneasy. I joined the choir because that’s what I had always done. I became a member of the church because that’s what I had always done. On the first official day of membership, as I stood in the choir and looked out onto the congregation, I asked myself “why am I here?” Everything in me challenged my decision. I suddenly knew I had not asked God for His will (a new habit I was developing). It was my first and last official day there as a member. God had other plans for me.
Learning to take ownership and responsibility for my life choices has been an ongoing experience. God has prioritized where I should focus and I am always amazed at how many aspects of my life needed to come under scrutiny. Just when I think I’ve got this – He points out another area. Definitely a work in progress, I am grateful for the learning, for the failures and for the successes.
A woman of influence… early on I learned that my personality drew people to me. I inspired trust and many wanted to hear what I had to say. It was during this season of faith-truth-growth that I realized that this God-given gift was for His purposes and not mine. I had to guard my heart and be careful what I said so that I would not cause any confusion in those that weren’t ready to take ownership for their own beliefs. “Someone is waiting for you (for me) to show up in the fullness of our calling.” A quote He gave me and I continue to share with others. What I believe and how I live out my life story matters not just to those I hold dear but to those that observe my walk.
“Someone is waiting for you (for me) to show up in the fullness of our calling.” ~ Coach Maggie
My faith story is just the beginning of what God would have me share about taking ownership and responsibility for what we believe. I suspect that as I continue to explore this topic with Him, there will be more posts to follow – especially in the area of relationships, health, legacy, community and so much more.
Do you want to hear more? What are you taking away from this post? Are you ready to be challenged to come up higher – to learn what it is to be “All In” and fully committed to all areas of your life? If so, please comment below. Even if you don’t agree with everything I say – your contribution matters. Hope to hear from you!
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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