Neighbor, Love YourselfSample

HARNESS THE WIND

Finding purpose is like riding a typhoon. God designed us with a sail to harness the winds of purpose and drive us forward, farther, and faster.

When we find purpose, work is rewarding and dedication is endless. The energy we need for our job, the enthusiasm we crave for our ministry, and the excitement we want for our life are all winds God wired us to harness.

So, what holds us back? We all deal with two common wind blockers.

Wind blocker #1: Fear. We’re afraid of failing, afraid of not being given a chance to succeed, and afraid our talent will go unrecognized. We’re afraid to try and afraid to fail. We’re afraid of being afraid.

It’s natural to be afraid, but God never intended for our fear to prevent us from finding our purpose. God tells us repeatedly not to be afraid. “Do not fear, for I am with you. …I will strengthen you and help you” (Isaiah 41:10).

Wind blocker #2: Doubt. We all doubt. We doubt ourselves, our choices, and our futures.

Faith is the only voice that can speak louder than doubt. So as James says, “When you ask, you must believe and not doubt, be­cause the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (1:6). Don’t let the waves catch the wind meant for your sails.

God created us to love good things and do good work, and God smiles as we identify the things we love and work at them. Push back fear, throw off doubt, and capture the wind. Start the business, write the book, sign up for the audition, take the guitar lessons, teach a class or take a class, or quit the job. Don’t neglect to care for the people who depend on you, but as much as you’re able, find good, positive things that make you feel fulfilled, and do more of those.

Have you encountered the wind blockers of fear and doubt? When was the last time you gave those fears and doubts to God?