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Follow the Plan
September 11, 2020
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Jesus replied, "Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime."
John 7:6 NLT
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While the world is running out of many things in 2020— patience, tolerance, hand sanitizer, and Lysol to name a few. It still has an over abundance of opinions from well-meaning individuals that want to "help" us make the decisions that affect our lives.
While my mom is a "sharer" of the highest level, my dad has a saying... "I have an opinion on most everything. I only share it when asked."
How great the world would be if everybody followed my dad's model. Our friends and family mean well when trying to guide us on the path that God has created for us. Wisdom is the willingness to listen to those who are trying to help you. Wisdom is also the ability to seek God's counsel above all other voices.
God is the foremost authority on your life. You are second in command.
It can be difficult and frustrating to navigate in faith while being a part of a family where everyone may not be on the same page...or even in the same book. Amen! John 7 begins with Jesus' brothers encouraging him to go to Judea to the Jewish Festival. They told him to show off for everyone...
"You can't become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!" - John 7:4
His family didn't get it. If it were them... *insert eye roll here
They Don't Know
Sometimes it's not clear to those around us that we are trying to live for a purpose and meaning beyond the obvious. Only you and God know about that flame that burns inside of you to do more, be more for Him. Consequently, we may get negative comments, discouraging advice, or simply no support for the things we believe God is doing in our lives. You cannot let this well-meaning "help" deter you.
I pretty much write in obscurity. I use pseudonyms, respect my NDAs, and don't share the bulk of what I do. My reasons for approaching my writing career in this way are tucked away in my heart with God. If God has given you a clear plan and path forward, follow God's plan...even if people don't understand it.
Some People are Afraid to Support You
Fear of rejection is natural because we were created to be together. However, we have to override that fear with courage and faith. In John 7:13, no one had the courage to speak favorably about Jesus because they were afraid of the consequences. They were afraid of what other people would do or say in response. They were most afraid of getting in trouble with the "leaders" of the day.
Not everybody is a hater. Some people are just simply afraid to align themselves with you and your plan. That may feel bad, but the bigger obstacle to your success is your inability to speak favorably of yourself. Are you letting negative thoughts and words sabotage God's plan for your life?
Look Deeper, Know Why
Pay close attention to the things around you. God can speak to you through a road sign, a spring breeze, or a small child. You have a plan for what to do, but do you know why God has asked you to do it? In John 7:24 Jesus tells the people to "Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly." Don't just take things at face value but ask God for a clear understanding of what's going on in your life.
I was on the fence about writing my next book, so I prayed to God for clarity, wisdom, and direction on whether it was time to begin. The following week three different people asked me when my next book was coming. Then I got a nice royalty check from my first book--11 years after it was published. I heard God loud and clear. I signed the contract and my new book is underway.
When in Doubt
Do you believe in the plan God has for your life? Do you believe He wants you to be whole and happy and peaceful? Do you really believe He wants you to start that business, write that book, get that job? Doubt is the biggest obstacle to achieving our goals. When it looks like it's not going to happen we give up. We stop praying. We stop working. We stop believing.
When doubt creeps up, ask God to forgive your unbelief and to restore your faith. It works! I'm a witness.
You Don't Have to Know Everything
Maybe there is a critical part of the plan that you don't know yet and it's making you doubt yourself. Follow the plan. God knows what he's doing. Part of the doubt around Jesus' identity as the Messiah was because people knew Jesus was from Galilee. The scriptures said the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. The people had no idea Jesus was born in Bethlehem. They had no idea that Joseph was a descendant of the house of King David. They only knew Joseph and his sons as a family of carpenters. BUT GOD!!!
God's plan was fully developed for Jesus and it is fully developed for you, too. You may not be able to see all the pieces, but God had everything in place before you began the journey. He's not making it up as we go along. It is finished.
The plan is finished. Follow the plan.
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FED and FOCUSED
I don't spend hours each week on the newsletter just so you can be fed and feel good. Some of y'all got the spiritual "itis." I want you to put the inspiration, motivation, and knowledge you receive to work.
I believe you were a purpose before you were a person. Whether you pave roads or preach the gospel, God is in everything you do because you belong to him. He feeds you so you can have the energy and strength to do the work.
Get Fed and Focused!
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Non-Fiction Not Your Thing? Meet the Girls!
Explore important topics like marriage, divorce, fidelity, adoption, faith, and family secrets in my novels. Read More...
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Many people get frustrated with all this purpose talk. They tried it and it didn't work. After changing cities, jobs, or even spouses, they find themselves in the same old rut. They start to believe that life is meaningless and we're just here to work, live, and have a few good times in between.
No! There is more to life than that.
Purpose, contentment, and satisfaction is found at the intersection of what you love and what you're really good at...that's your lane. That's where you can live.
Find Your Lane
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