Last night as a group of us discussed the first few chapters of The Best Yes a common theme emerged:
When we do something we feel God is calling us to, it often feels selfish.
Oh, can anyone relate?
The precious women in the study sure could.
As I sat there, I felt compelled to remind them that if God has planted the dream/desire/seed in their hearts, then they need to take that next step. Test the dream. Prepare for the next stages.
What can hold us back from moving into the dream? Lack of preparation: we don’t have the skills or tools we need. Fear: we’re afraid of what will happen if we fail. Concern: this is selfish on our part when there are so many other places the money/time/resources/fill-in-the-blank could go.
Yet the line in the graphic is so true:
This is not about selfish ambition. This is about letting out the cry of passion that God entrusted to you and to me. I look at it as an issue of obedience.
When I started the rode of the MBA, it was purely an act of obedience. I still do not know why God had me get the degree. But I believe I will be prepared for something He has for me in the future. I also believe that it was preparation for something — that I will need those magic three letters at some point. That an opportunity or calling will be available because I was obedient. It wasn’t selfish ambition or vain conceit. It was a lot of work. A lot of blood, sweat, and a few tears to get to the other side.
But it was worth it.
Pursuing that quiet whisper locked inside will be worth it. What feels selfish is really honoring God as you say yes to what He asks. Where you feel incapable is where God can show off. We have to get out of the way — revel in our weaknesses so that His strength can become evident.
What will you have to give up? What will you have to lay aside for a season as you test God’s best for you? Are you willing to give it a try?
I fully believe that as you do, He will reveal His wisdom and pleasure. And in that moment there is such joy!
Your assignment for this week is to read chapters 4-6 of The Best Yes if you haven’t already. If you don’t have the book, don’t worry, I’ll keep writing posts. At the same time read the story in II Samuel 20 and think about the wise woman described there. Quite a richness to that story that you may not have ever read before.
Let’s chase God’s wisdom for our lives this week!
Want to join me? Let’s talk about what it means to serve God and those He’s put in our lives. To do so with intention and wisdom. To chase the dreams He’s planted in our hearts that have become covered with layers of neglect, business, and fear.
All you have to do is get a copy ofThe Best Yes, read chapters 4-6, and join me next Monday for the next installment. Complete this super short form, and I’ll be sure to shoot you a quick email with each new post.
Hugs, friends.