Occasionally when I sit down to write a post, I’ll feel a Holy Spirit ‘nudge’ to share something very specific with you.
This week is one of those times. This message might be a little longer than normal, so if you only have time to skim, read the phrases in bold print to get the highlights.
Specifically, I want to share some of the current lessons I’m learning.
My family is in a season of expansion and have been taking some (kinda wild) leaps of faith.
Perhaps you’re on a similar journey. ?
Isaiah 54:2 has been a particularly relevant verse for us right now and is the basis of much of what I’ll write about:
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.”
(Check out the whole chapter if you want more context. It’s really good!)
Here’s the thing about seasons of enlargement and expansion…
They feel stretching!
When you’re…
- actively pursuing breakthrough in personal development, health, or emotional healing
- embarking on a new venture
- planning a move (in either career or location)
- confronting limitations in your life and seeking to grow
- going after a big dream…
You’re heading into new territory. You haven’t been here before. Even if you’ve done something similar in the past. And that can be both exciting and scary (sometimes all at once!)
With that being said, I want to share a few keys that are helping me navigate this season.
First, choose your traveling companions wisely. People who might’ve accompanied you thus far may (or may not) be willing—or able—to go with you into this new territory.
You can—and should—love others, but not everyone will travel with you in all seasons of life. Ask for wisdom to know who your community is right now.
And if you happen to travel part of this path alone, remember this: Pioneers (and leaders) go first! Be kind to yourself as you’re figuring out the path. You don’t have to get it perfect.
In addition to choosing your friendships, I’d caution you to carefully consider who you share your dreams with. The whole “don’t cast your pearls before swine” can be especially important when you’re making bold moves that won’t be understood by everyone around you.
Yes, make sure you’re getting counsel from people who love you, are full of faith themselves, can hear the voice of God, and who you trust to bring correction should you need it. But don’t throw out your dreams to just anyone. I’ve made that mistake before and it can deal a major blow to your faith!
Next, wage warfare with the promises of God over your life. (1 Timothy 1:18,19) If you have life scriptures or prophetic words that you’ve been given, review them regularly. Don’t just leave them on the shelf collecting dust. They’re strategic for your future! Write them out. Put them on your bathroom mirror. Record and listen to them. Declare them out loud!
Third, it’s ‘essentials only’ time. Something I’m learning in this season of expansion is that I’m using a considerable amount of energy (spiritual, mental, emotional, even physical) to GROW into this new space that God’s inviting me into.
This means I can’t be burdened down with lots of extra weight right now. What does this look like practically? I’m having to be intentional with where I’m giving my time, attention, and commitments. Stewarding my faith well might look like saying no more than I say yes.
I can’t tell you exactly what this will look like for you, but you might find it helpful to consider this analogy:
Imagine yourself on a path. You have a road stretching in front of you that is taking you to this new, spacious, expansive place—the place of your future. You are allowed a knapsack for the journey, not a suitcase. Therefore, traveling ‘light’ is vital.
Now, ask yourself: “What needs to go in this knapsack? What needs to be left behind?”
Consider people, commitments, habits, thought patterns—anything that is a regular part of your life.
Especially important is how you handle new opportunities. Remember this: just because you can, doesn’t mean you should! Just because an opportunity comes your way doesn’t mean you automatically say yes.
I actually need you to read the above paragraph again. Go on.
Is saying yes going to help you or hinder your expansion? Whatever you say yes to means you’re saying no to something else. Make sure you’re not sacrificing essentials in the name of ‘doing good things.’
Finally, self care is vital!
Be kind to yourself (yes, this is a repeat of what I said earlier.)
Radical growth, leaps of faith, reaching for the stars—all require stamina and determination to not give up. This is most easily accomplished when you’re rested, nourished, and fueled with the things that recharge your batteries. In fact, I daresay that in some instances, the success of the goal is dependent upon your ability to care for yourself in the process.
Not sure what those things are? Here’s a hint… answer the question: What’s beautiful to me? In fact, I wrote a book about discovering this very thing. You can check it out here.
Lovely one, the season you’re navigating right now is important.
Dig out those prophetic words of yours. If you genuinely can’t figure out what God is saying right now, reach out to someone you trust and who can help you find clarity.
What I know for sure? You have been called for such a time as this.
Thanks for being on the journey with me.
I’m 100% cheering you on, today and always,
