Step Into God’s Vision For Your Life

Embracing change is probably one of the areas in life I struggle with most. As I sit here writing, I think of how much I never wanted to embrace this step. God gave me a vision of putting my story out there to help others, yet I waved it off thinking it wasn’t something I was capable of. I mean, I’m that anxious girl who would be better off staying out of the way or so I thought.

Besides, I was comfortable with the path I was on, always side by side with my sister, helping her manage everything that comes along with owning a clothing boutique.

I even felt God send people our way that I could help. I spent many days listening to women’s stories. I was able to give them that open ear they so desired. I tried to share God’s love with as many people as I could. This was the perfect setting.

Then there was a shift, a reality staring my sister and I in the face. This wasn’t becoming a financially secure business, but rather a business just paying the bills to survive to the next month.

I didn’t want us to fail. I turned to God for help and asked for more time. I tried to surrender myself to God. I continued to give back and help people in the community. How could our vision to be the best little shop in town not come to pass? 

God’s Plan Is Bigger Than We Can Imagine

Well, it’s not that God didn’t want me to continue to help people in this environment. It’s that this place was a stepping stone to something else, something more.

God says “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Yet, I was stubborn, only praying for what I wanted. Looking back, I can see that I wasn’t seeking God’s guidance or taking the time to hear his voice in prayer. Prayer time was more about my wishes than the Lord’s vision for my future. I was going in circles, instead of being still.

The Lord is patient with us though.

I was sitting in the shop alone this past October. I don’t even remember the music playing and it was always on. God took this quiet moment to tell me: “It’s time to let go.”  The message was clear and firm, but also kind.

Somehow, I knew my sister would agree.

Letting Go to Let God Move

My heart sank in sadness.

After 10 years of spending almost every day with my sister, this was it. There would be no more cramped lunches in the back office. There would be no more crazy customers testing our nerves. There would be no more dressing room adventures trying on rompers we couldn’t figure out how to get off once we got them on. 

But one thing would remain – God’s vision for me to help others.

I realized I can still show up for God even without a business. I can still reach people through God’s word. I can still pray my heart out, with faith and hope leading me.

So here I am doing just that, putting my testimony out there to share God’s greatness, which is His patience and His love for us. God lead me to this moment, just as He will lead you to your purpose. I am truly surrendering, because now I am out of my comfort zone. I am facing the fear of putting myself out there. I am moving for God and not myself. That is surrender.  I want Him to solidify my path, to make the vision clear. 

Here are a few ways we can all step closer to His vision for us:

• Spend time alone with the Lord: Set up a space for the Lord where you can talk to him openly. In this space, pray and read His word. If we truly get to know the Lord through His word, we will be able to decipher his voice among the many voices that come in our lives. This is vital when it comes to stepping into God’s plan for your life. “My sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me.” John 10:27

• Speak His promises out loud-literally: There are going to be moments you feel overwhelmed or lost when it comes to taking the next step for God. Anxious thoughts can keep us from actually following God’s plan for us. So speak His truth each day – The lord will give me rest; the Lord will be by my side; I should not be discouraged, but encouraged. Speaking His truth will change the way you make decisions. “I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give you counsel.” Psalm 32:8

• Be accountable to the Lord: If the Lord has spoken something into your heart, embrace it. Take steps every day to do the Lord’s work set before you. And then check in with the Lord. Many times, I did only what I wanted. This is denying God and following myself, which creates a broken and uncertain path. “If anyone wants to follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life, will lose it. But whoever loses his life because of Me will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25. 

There is a newness God brings to us each day. It’s never too late to step into His plan. Hope this helps you in your journey.