How to Take a Step, and is it the Right One?

Hi it's been forever!!! As I always say, I have to wait until I feel so pushed and overwhelmed with words to post something I've written- or I don't believe it's really from God. So even though it's been awhile, & I have had SO MUCH content to post... I've held off. I know it's for the best because this is going to be incredible message to read and stay in your mind for awhile. I also truly believe it will change your perspective and mindset :) join me and keep on readin it's a lot this time!

Lil catch up- Soooo recently I moved to Fort Worth, Texas after graduating Purdue University! Which has been a dream come true to say it in the shortest words. It has been challenging, overwhelming, scary, & full of tears. But also riveting, thrilling, anxious, & truly joyful. I am going to be teaching first grade and beyond thrilled about that!! I will be honest and say that I am not at the point yet where I know exactly why I was led here, like that IT moment or reason, but I know in my heart and my deepest faith that God is going to show up anytime with that answer. But the thing about direction and knowing where you're supposed to go isn't about the destination. It's all about attitude and being willing to... GO.

"Huh?" "Whatchu even mean?" "LOL yeah I need to know where I'm going before I go..."

Stay with me. I'm not going to fully get into the story (one of many stories with him) of Abraham (formally Abram), but I want to point out some things about God leading him into a journey with no direct location. If you are a follower of Christ, a YES LORD- er, a sinner that is willing to do whatever it takes to follow God because you know Him to be the one and only, the answer to our imperfect world, the light through the tunnel- I wholeheartedly believe that you should never feel like you don't have a purpose. You should never feel like you don't know what to do, or where to go. I know that's a little confusing and you might be like "Uh well I think and feel that way all the time" because same. However, I have learned a thing or two from our Lord and on this journey I've had with following him. But continuing with Abraham real quick...

Genesis 12:1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing."

YIKES can you imagine... "I will bless you and take care of you, you just need to start going and I will guide you and lead you there." Can you imagine that in our time and age today? But this, exactly. Seriously this is exactly what we're supposed to do. We live in a world where we have to feel secure, know the plan, almost have everything down to the last detail before we even leave our houses. God wants us to come boldly to the throne, in our prayers, seeking him with our whole hearts with confidence that we KNOW he is willing and able to do seemingly impossible things ...

"You will find me when you seek me with all of your heart"(Jeremiah 29:13) "Ask and it shall be given unto you" (Matthew 7:7) "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You see, Abraham was in his seventies when God told him to take up his life and move and he would provide a great nation for him and his family. But he didn't have any children, for his wife struggled to conceive, so notice again that God was telling him to trust him and go

1. to a place he didn't know where he was going

2. to leave everything he knew

3. to trust that he would be a father of many (when they couldn't even have children)

But the thing is that Abraham, although still being human & imperfect, became known as the father of faith (Romans 4:11) and was gifted the land of Canaan where he ended up having many children.

This might "just be a story you've heard before"- but when we study these passages and scriptures in the Bible we are supposed to relate them to OUR OWN lives; the Bible is for us. These people are just like us- with different norms, different clothes, and different traditions. But they experienced the same things. So what can we takeaway & parallel from this example of Abraham's obedience and trust in the Lord? We simply need to look at the Bible. Would God allow you to feel pushed to leave your hometown for an opportunity that you were unsure about, but felt called to go? Absolutely. Would you feel led out of a relationship? Absolutely. Would you feel led to let go of friendships? Even yes, absolutely. He's doing the very same thing in your life today. The answer is faith, trusting that push you feel inside.

"When we have faith - when we are CERTAIN that God CAN and WILL keep His promises, we will listen to and obey God." -John R. Cross

The Bible says that without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)

We are too worried about how we feel: what feels right and doesn't feel right. We are way too consumed with our feelings, quite honestly. Instead of fretting and making yourself sick with worry over a decision, just pray wholeheartedly and take a step. And I'm sorry this is a little harsh (just passionate) but, get over yourself and get on with trusting God. You CAN have this extra-ordinary life if you let God be the guide. He gives us the gift of free will, let's use it! A little secret is this, if you are confident in the Lord and his word, and you know in whatever season he is going to take care of you- you can take any step and live your life with joy. It won't be easy every second, but it will be better than staying in a season too afraid to make a move.

Preparing for the following scriptures: Suppose your nearing the end of a big season (graduating high school, college, looking for a job, feeling a push to move, relationship/friendship troubles...etc.) & you are having all of these feelings of discomfort- you're not exactly content where you are, & you just feel like something is missing. God is trying to push you. Ready? Read these over and over, print them, hang 'em up.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Whatever step you take, if you're doing it for the Lord and seeking him it will never be the wrong step.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Struggle through the difficult times. God is with you, preparing you for the incredible plan he has for you still! Take heart and cling to him relentlessly.

Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Live your life with authority, confidence in being a child of God, so worthy of the good and perfect things. Trust that!

Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

'nuff said. Live your live fearless with Christ as your stronghold.

1 Corinthians 2:9

However, as it is written:

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him.

Idk about y'all but I want what the Lord has for me SO BADLY way more than anything I can obtain and work for myself. I'm confident in his word

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SEEK & PRAY. Pray and ask God to show you some obvious direction that you're supposed to go. BUT ALSO HERE IS THE KICKER! You have to take a step out in faith if you're asking God to show up in your life. Apply for a college, apply for a job, go look at apartments, talk to older people you look up to, ask someone if you have any curiosity about a career, dating advice, or interest you might have. Believe that God will direct you, but pray and seek him first. This includes getting into the word and knowing God deeper and deeper you know? Getting to know his voice.

ASK & PRAY. Ask God to open some doors but close some doors that are distracting, causing unwholesome fruit to grow. Be aware that this might mean an ending to a friendship, a relationship, a job, a "regret to inform you" letter, or something else. So many people are not willing to let go of what they have- to let God in and it's causing so much confusion, heartbreak, and weeds to grow in their lives. Don't be one of those people- say "Yes Lord" and believe that he has way better than you can imagine. Believing takes some effort too.

TRUST & PRAY. Guys one of the best things that you can do when you're trying to follow Christ, live your life for him, and grow in your faith... is to read your Bible. There is no way to trust than disciplining yourself reading every single day, that trains your heart and mind to believe it. Knowing those precious words are how you're going to fight Satan with everyday struggles, it's how you're going to know where to go, it's how you're going to believe what you read to be true. It really takes so much practice. Even if it's confusing at first, stick with it and soon you'll see all kinds of parallels in your own life. It's the sword you will use every single day.

See a common theme ? I will tell you that I underestimated prayer almost all of my twenty-two years of life. I still struggle to be patient and listen for the Lord, but now I know the importance of prayer & just talking with him. It's how I'm seen and heard, it's how I trust that he's there taking care of me. It's how I can be absolutely sure of his word reigning true on my heart ready to tackle fear, anxiety, stress, and worry. Now I wish I could tell you that I am Superwoman with the Bible, living those principles constantly buuutttt sadly no, I am still a human girl that fails to practice what I preach every second of the day. Gratefully, I have seen a tremendous difference in my stress level, my anxiety level, and my happiness because I'm not trying to control it all (some days I definitely still do). My faith has grown, I'm convicted more often, I act in faith without thinking about it.

Be Abraham, tell Satan to take a back seat, pray over something/seek godly counsel and just live your life... let go of what you think something is supposed to feel like or how something is supposed to go. Find freedom and joy in the journey!

Pray with boldness and confidence, he has bestowed in you the gift of being reborn in RIGHTEOUSNESS. You are holy, & made in God's image- act like it. Don't give up, you're just getting started my friend. You have to decide if you're going to sink or swim when the tides get rough. But remember there is always a lifeline for you. I want to encourage you to pray prayers that you believe God is able to deliver you! He loves your sweet faith!

-R