What gives you life?

Finding your calling

Throughout the past month, I have learned so much about letting things go and trusting the Lord. Although it's been hard, I am beginning to see the beauty in what God is doing in my life. Sometimes, we have to let the old go, so that something new and more perfect can come into our lives.

He says:

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19

I can see this so clearly in my life. He is doing a new thing, and is making a way for me. I no longer have a desire to hold on to the "former things." Letting go, I have such a strong desire to move forward because I know God has things in store for me in the future that are going to align with my heart's desires. It's actually very exciting!

Here is another promise that I am clinging onto so tightly:

"And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the branch, the restorer of streets to dwell in." Isaiah 58:11-12

This is a scorched place in my life. It would be easy to feel broken and weak, but I trust that the Lord will guide me and fulfill the desires of my heart. He will not forsaken me. What a beautiful, beautiful promise.

I think it's a common feeling to experience fear and doubt at this point in life. I'm almost 22, a senior in college, single and feeling completely at a loss for what is to come. I am nearing a crossroad in life, and it is always a tad bit scary to make those life decisions, knowing they could change your destiny forever.

This past week, the interns had a meeting where we listened to a guy talk about our calling in life. He basically told us that we need to combine our talents/gifts, the things that bring us life, and the affirmations that people are speaking over our lives to get our calling.

This calling that God places on our lives is something that we can't rid ourselves of, no matter how much we mess up or try to flee from it. (Remember Jonah? Yeah...running from his calling didn't really get him very far.) Feel blessed if God gives you a calling that feels unattainable. That means that it is sure to fail lest God be in it! That's powerful.

We are to steward the call that is on our life. It is irrevocable, and it is our job to surrender our own will to God so He can be further glorified through our lives!

This is a lifelong progression of wrestling internally to figure it all out. Although you may have defining moments in life that push you forward to your calling, it will be a journey to completely understand your purpose in life. It will be tested, but welcome the test. This will only create perseverance, and faith. It will be the most impactful if you persevere.

Remember:

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matt. 6:31-34

And just for the fun of it, I decided to record the things that I feel give me life, and my "strengths." I can't wait to see what God decides to it.

What gives me life? (In no particular order, except for #1).

1. Jesus
2. Loving and serving others
3. Music
4. Photography, writing, and art
5. Nature
6. Being outside of my comfort zone
7. Exploring and experiencing other cultures
8. Alone time
9. Living simply. Taking joy in the simple things.
10. Coffee. :)

Strengths? According to the MB test I took coming into BU freshman year...

1. Belief
2. Command
3. Input
4. Responsibility
5. Relator

Now....how to combine my calling, my strengths, and the things that are life giving to me. That's the tough part. The good thing is that I don't have to figure it out right now. I just have to be willing for God to use me in whatever way He wants! I think God desires for us to flexible :)

So for now, I will trust the He has me in His hand, and will take care of all my needs.

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:13-14

Peace.