“Enough already!” …said Coach Maggie to herself this morning. “#Stop wasting time!”
Procrastination – There are days when I give myself permission to meander through the morning… allowing inspiration and creativity some space to thrive. Then there are other days when I catch myself procrastinating… knowing full well that I have a task to accomplish and doing everything possible to avoid it.
Who can relate? Am I the only one wasting time? Well… today is my writing day. Have I mentioned that God is birthing a book in me? It’s quite the adventure this writing business. It takes you places you never imagined you would go. More about that below…
What about you? What are you birthing these days? Is there at least a faint glimmer of hope inside… that voice that calls you out beyond your safe place? Do you have a knowing that against all that is normal speaks about a future, a purpose?
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. (Jer 29:11 NIV)
About the writing… the process I’ve been going through, may very well apply to the journey God has asked you to embark on:
- The Call – That place of knowing that you were meant for more. At first you think it’s for “NOW!”, but not necessarily. It’s a seed planted in your spirit that gets watered over time. You become aware of the need – a need much greater than your capabilities – and you wonder how you can possibly make it happen.
- Doubt – I heard it first as a child, the call and the voice of doubt seemed to arrive simultaneously. My passion for reading took me to enchanting places where I made friends with the characters – missed them long after I had finished the book. How was it possible that I, with minimal life experience, could possibly write anything that would captivate and encourage the readers?
- Detours – Life seemed to be at odds with this inner voice. Unplanned paths seemed to lead me away far from it. But then God took me on paths that appeared to be “it”. “This is it!” my heart cried out, “Finally I’m walking in God’s purpose – this is the sweet spot of my calling!” Then there were those seasons of sorrow and loss. I remember one of those seasons. I cried out to God “Lord, Have I been fired? Was I mistaken about my calling?”
- Heartbreak – On your journey your heart of compassion notices the needs of others. You notice the similarities in your stories. Is it possible that your lessons learned might be of value to them? You begin to champion and pray for those God places on your heart. You ask, “How do I reach them Lord?” Your ah-ha moment shows up… the call, it’s not about me.
Someone is waiting for you to show up in the fullness of your calling. ~ Coach Maggie
- Purpose & Passion Meet – That moment shows up when nothing else matters. You know beyond all doubt that the time is “now”. Once again you challenge yourself “Am I willing to surrender to all that God has planned for me?” You notice that your “yes” triggers a series of events. An unexpected door of opportunity and favor opens. Doors to the familiar begin to close. Perhaps there’s a season in the hallway while you wait for the next encounter. A pattern emerges – prayer, faith, trust, obedience, waiting, action and repeat… The birthing process has been set in motion and God has everything to do with it!
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24 NKJV)
Your Purpose is now! What I’ve learned… God’s purpose for our lives begins long before we take our first breath. There is no one purpose destination. Instead it’s a journey, a faith journey. If you are willing, God will lead you to the very experiences that will matter in the lives of those He’s called you to serve.
About Today… I wonder, was my procrastination today all about you? Was my willingness to be transparent about my own weaknesses yet another opportunity for the Lord to work through me? How has He spoken to you through this post? Are you in the hallway waiting for God to open the next door? Are you stuck grieving for the closed doors? Are you walking in the joy of your calling?
I pray that my passion to serve Him with joy through the good times and the challenging times inspire you to stay the course. Go! Go be about the Father’s business!
Photo by Sander Smeekes on Unsplash
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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