Brilliantly YOU: Learning to Live Bold & Freeনমুনা

YOU can do hard things.

Each step down the path of our personal development and the fulfillment of our hopes is an important one. If we try to skip over necessary steps, it will only lead to unnecessary pain.

This may be wisdom for the soul, but it’s also a sore spot for our impatience. Let’s face it: most of us want to get where we’re headed to as quickly as possible. We want shortcuts. We want an expedited experience. We want the thrill of sprinting without the discipline (aka pain) of pacing ourselves.

For our big hopes and dreams we can’t shortcut the process. Sadly, despite what some Instagram ads and self-help books claim, there’s no secret out there that will put you on the fast track to success. There’s no in-crowd that can get you out of persevering through challenges, boredom, and disappointments. There’s no shortcut to becoming more like Jesus and fulfilling your God-given assignment. We simply have to put in the time and keep at it. 

The small steps, yes, even the hard ones, matter. They not only lead you to the big ones, but they also prepare you for them. You may not always execute each step perfectly. You may not want to take it at all. It may at times feel uncomfortable, and you may even have to take it afraid. That’s okay. Take it anyway. 

The next step will most likely require courage, strength, humility, and discipline; and it will most certainly require faith. 

Jesus is always faithful to lead us to the next step. He illuminates our path through His Word, through the counsel of the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom of others. And James 1 assures us that if we are feeling left in the dark, we can ask God for wisdom, and He will give it to us generously without finding fault. He gives us what we need to keep moving forward, even when life feels hard.

The next step is always worth taking. So take your next step. Don’t put it off. Go for it! Embrace it! Praise God for it! Jesus is calling; He is beckoning you onward. 

TODAY’S CHALLENGE: What’s the next step toward your hopes and dreams for your life that you are ready to take this week? Write it below and reach out to one of your trusted friends to tell them that you are taking this step and ask for their encouragement and accountability as you push forward!