Directionally Challenged Part 2

Ever feel like life is passing you by? Or have you ever prayed for God to give you that "burning bush" to help you to know what direction to go in life? Over the weekend I had the opportunity to partake in a class where you discover your purpose or vision for your life. It is called Chazown, which means discovering the spiritual gifts that God has entrusted you with and then discovering how you can use them. Through it all, I was able to make a mission statement for myself.

Here goes..."To compassionately communicate truth in a real and honest way that impacts and serves others and to be a catalyst for service, purpose, acceptance, redemption and freedom in Christ".

You see, I have been directionally challenged most of my life. So for me to hone in on what God has entrusted me with and know the direction I should be going is HUGE! The journey was not easy, it was overwhelming to say the least. The process that God used to "empty" me was painful. But after opening my heart to what God had to say I was able to see what He has already gifted me with. I understand and accept that it is my privilege and calling to share the gifts that He has given me. And guess what....writing is one of those gifts. It was confirmed in me that the gifts that He has given me are perfect for me, they were planned for me before I was born, and that they are beautiful. I like that. A plan.... one that is designed by God and it's unique.... just like me.

What's my the next step? I have to admit that there are parts of His vision for me are a little scary. But I am willing to try. I am ready to put action to my prayers matched with His gifts. I will walk by faith and not by sight. And the other side of this whole idea is why would I want to miss out on God's best for me? He wants to bless me more that I could possibly imagine. Now I am just going to hang on for the ride.

So I challenge you to find out what your Chazown or purpose is. If you go to this website, you will get step by step free instructions, including a spiritual gifts tests to help you determine your gifts and empower you to be all that you can be for God. Go ahead, I dare you. Check out this website and find out for yourself.

Anyone need a worn pair of socks?

Ever think about what you are good at, but then fail to see and believe that it is a gift?  About three years ago with a workshop offered by my church, God showed me that writing was one of my spiritual gifts.  

I remember that weekend like yesterday, something snapped inside my heart. 

God was there to smile on the recovery my dream and gave me a sneak peak into how to have a written voice.  Plus He showed me a little of my own creativity by crafting my own mission statement!

Since then God has been at work and watered the seeds of faith and brought alongside some early believers in this dream.  Germination of a mighty dream began that weekend but God didn't leave it there..He sealed the promise with His truth.  

Habakkuk 2:2-4  "Then the Lord replied:  'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald my run with it.  For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.  Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.  ....but the righteous will live by his faith'"( faithfulness as it says in the footnotes of my Bible.)

By telling you the start of my dream from three years ago, I see this verse as being HUGE now.

Don't you just love it when God connects your dreams?  Ever have those "aha" moments with God to say..."So back then you were leading up to this day?"  Those moments when your heart is filled with a little more understanding, and then you are caught wondering if God is showing you a little more than one little inch of a step ...oooh it's a little exciting over here in this little corner of the world...where's my notebook!

The important thing is not how I got here to this new day full of new things, new goals, and a new direction... but why I'm here.

I am at this point because back then, because I allowed my heart to be submissive to God's authority in my life.  I prayed a full surrender, trusting with my whole heart prayer that if God gives, then I had to trust Him with the results of the gift.  Also I have to trust Him for the opportunities to use the gift given.  

It's my love response back to the Giver.  Full trust in this.  

I know this about God that if I obey to "write it down" then, God will make my someday happen. 

But it's not without a lot of work, trust, and even more belief that God will.  God believes in your dreams if they are God-given dreams.  God keeps His promises to you. 

I have to tell you, from my little corner of the world, there were so many hurdles regarding my personal place, value, self-esteem and confidence to overcome before getting to a right place where God was calling me.  

I started as a journalist.  I started to believe God in this dream and in His faithfulness.   

The good news is that God is walking me through my issues.  This incredible journey honestly began back then on that Chazown weekend.  My heart couldn't wait for someday, so I gathered up all the gumption I could with just enough faith to start towards today.

When you show up before a Holy God with your heart surrendered, packed full of dreams, and lay it all down before Him then you have to trust God to show you what to do.  

Ever think about how we pursue His gifts more than the Giver himself?  

Even though it's hard, and this sounds big and deep, you know what?  I do it all over again, only the second time around I would have not delayed my obedience.  I would have come around sooner, to see God's truth.  When you invite God to your dreams, He will see your dreams through to His end for His glory.  (tweet this and link to this post!)

Just hold on to your socks, because He's gonna show you deep and unsearchable things. Even immeasurable and amazing details, and then for a little fun, He will mix it all up and show you some real truth to your heart.

Chasing dreams involves trusting God's process.     (tweet this! #janellekeithquotes)

When you trust God with your dream, He will speak life those unspoken places in your heart.  He'll dust out some of the cobwebs first, but will be all of up the middle of your dreams if you allow Him to do His tidy work first.  

My next step is to keep close to Him, keep believing in the Giver, and keep trusting in His process. Keep to what He has faithfully shown me back then, as I look forward to my new now. 

Anyone need my worn out pair of socks?