I have to admit, today’s topic is quite relevant to the season I’m currently in. It has been a season of reminding myself that God knows all about me, therefore He knows I have it in me to make it. Let me backtrack a little bit and tell you more about it.
Have you ever been excited about something? I mean really excited? All of the ideas get to flowing and you’re ready to get started. Then, you get to thinking about everything that it would require of you, every moving part, and you somehow slowly lose momentum. Have you ever felt that way? Well, it describes the earlier parts of the year for me. Fear had a tight grip on me. The thoughts and feelings of Impostor Syndrome had me stuck in the place of perfectionism until I became stagnant. No matter how much my mom and friends encouraged me, I still felt empty. I was frustrated because my present circumstances looked nothing like I had envisioned.
Before I go any further, let me pause for a moment and just publicly thank God for keeping me. It is because of Him that I’m able to encourage you through my journey. Yes, I am taking things a day at a time just like you. You see, it’s not so much that my circumstances have changed, but more so, I have changed. I had to believe God when He says that He has plans for good and not evil, to give me a hope and future (Jeremiah 29:11). I had to get rid of the unhealthy and unrealistic expectations to embrace this journey of evolving. I realized that unless I changed my perspective and deal with the fear that was paralyzing me, I would still have a negative view of my circumstances. Think about it, how effective would we be if our surroundings changed but there was no transformation in our mindset? We would likely perceive things the same.
So, from one overcomer to another (yes, we are all overcomers in our own way), pull back the layers of whatever it is that’s stopping you from going forth in the greatness of God. God has already equipped you; you have to believe it. In Jeremiah 1:5, God speaks to Jeremiah and tells him that before he was formed in the womb, He had already known all about him. He had already ordained Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations. So, everything that Jeremiah needed had already been placed within him, and overtime God began to refine it even more. God wants to do the same for you. That community idea, business, desire to serve, gift of singing and dancing, artistic talent, and all the above is already in you. It is waiting on you to do what only YOU can do, and you do it by being who God has called you to be!
I want to share some reminders with you that have motivated me and increased my confidence!
- Seek God and His righteousness first! (Matthew 6:33) Relationship with God is the key to learning more about the remarkable qualities and gifts He has placed within you.
- You don’t have to look outside of you for what’s already in you. This speaks to who we are authentically; not getting lost in the ideas or images in trends and culture.
- God sustains what He ordains. Be reassured that God is always working in front of the scenes and behind the scenes on your behalf.
- God wants your obedience, not perfection. Be diligent and genuine in all that you do for God and leave the outcome up to Him.
- Don’t take the bait of comparison. Be diligent and excited about your work. Flourish in the work God has placed into your hands. (Galatians 6:4-5 speaks on comparisons)
Reflection
Only you can seek God about the greatness that He has placed in you and the path He is leading you to take. Take some time this week and get still, away from distractions. Ask God to reveal your strengths and reconnect to all of the amazing things that make you, YOU! Let God use all of that. Be bold and assertive in your journey because you got it; you always have!
I pray that this post has blessed you. It blesses and strengthens me to know that we can all help each from our own personal journeys. Make sure you stay connected with me and let me know how you’re doing. Be blessed!
-Jasmine