Keep Going, Sister
I believe it's time for a little pep-talk! I can't be the only one who needs these kinds of reminders when things get hard. Today's blog includes my actual words from an email I wrote to the women in my book study. The Lord used a chapter in our book that I was breaking down to speak life over and encourage me. And as I re-read the words, I knew I needed to share it here with you, too. The topic? Perseverance & Protection- something I have experienced personally, walking this out over the years!
I don't know about you but I can be super determined in my mind and actions toward a specific goal- and if I pursue it long enough with no fruit, or if there are constant bumps along the way, I lose heart. Like really lose heart. I value my time and I want to steward that gift well. And if I've spent it doing something that feels purposeless or hopeless or like it's a never-ending struggle, I disconnect, disengage, and sometimes want to just give up. But I'm not a quitter.
Here's where I have to remember my call - the WHY behind what I'm doing. And here's why truly knowing and understanding what that task is and knowing that this is what GOD has called me to, is so important:
When God has a plan for you and me, it's not always something that's accomplished in OUR timeline. I mean, look at Joseph, he had 13 years between the pit and the palace - that's a lot of time in between for vigilance and preparation. I'm sure Joseph didn't feel like God was preparing him for something big as he spent those years in prison. But God is always at work, despite the circumstances we see.
And let's look at David. He was anointed KING over Israel, He was referred to as a man after God's own heart. Yet he hid in caves and was on the run for years before He stepped into that position.
It's the vigilance, the perseverance, the preservation of the Work God will have you do that's most important. It's stepping forward in GODFIDENCE as you walk on water with unwavering faith - eyes steadfast on Jesus and His plans for you. But you need to know and understand what those things are so you don't lose hope in pursuing it.
Nehemiah knew the purpose and plan that was put on his heart for the people of God and for the glory of the Lord. His job was to rebuild this wall and re-establish God's name as Lord and King over His chosen people. This was a huge task that seemed impossible to so many - but here Nehemiah is, unskilled, untrained, and making things happen because He had God's favor.
So the question is today, what has God called YOU to in this season. Are you making progress toward that call or are you feeling discouraged along the way? What things have gone well, what still needs to be done, and how can you protect what you've accomplished? If you need clarity in this calling, I want to point you to our Foundations Bundle which will re-route you back to purpose and set you up for success along the way.
In our study, this line stuck out to me and I want to share it here:
"If God's people don't protect what they have accomplished for the Lord, the enemy will come in and take it over."
And this one too:
“As we serve the Lord, we must always do our best, but without His help and blessing, even our best work will not last. ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it’.”
God doesn't always send angels or "extraordinary" men and women to do His work. He uses common people willing to risk their futures on the promises of God. If you are His, this means YOU!!
Here are some scriptures to encourage you:
“Be diligent to make sure of your calling and election; for doing these things, you will not ever fall.” - 2 Peter 1:10 (this is in regards to salvation but I would challenge you to apply this to gaining clarity in your life's call and purpose too.)
"Do not grow weary in doing good for in due time you will reap if you do not give up." - Galatians 6:9
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all you do and He will make your path straight."
- Proverbs 3: 5-6
“…Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” - 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27
Lastly, here's a reminder of those 3 Steps Leaders Must Take To Preserve The Work God's Accomplished Through You:
Enlist Leadership: Nehemiah knew he couldn't do the job alone. He wasn't too proud to ask for help or assign God's people to the task. Look objectively at what you're trying to accomplish and ask God and yourself who you need to enlist? Do your family members need assignments on how they can step up to the plate? Do you need to hire someone to come alongside you and accomplish work within your business? Do you need a mentor to encourage you along the way? Pray through these things and seek the appropriate leadership to help you complete your task and protect your accomplishments.
Establish Citizenship: Not to be biased, but the more often you can surround yourself with believers who share your values and honor the same God that's called you to this task, the better. A three stranded cord is not easily broken, and it's important to be equally yolked when accomplishing anything for the Lord. You may have heard the phrase, “I don't co-parent with the government”. Apply that same kind of thought process to the specific tasks God has called you to today.
Encourage Worship: Worship holds more power that I believe we give it credit for. It's aligning our hearts, values, motives and examples of our life to the Lord and ensuring we are connecting emotionally and spiritually with Him. This goes alongside prayer, fasting, daily habits, and relationship with God too. When you're called by God, it's important to ensure your heart is not straying from these things. Anything short of this, the enemy comes in to rob and steal. (1 Peter 5:8)
This weeks chapter really excited me because our Foundations Bundle includes everything you need to set you up for success in all these areas. From Prayer and Fasting for clarity in your call and re-centering in your purpose, to provision and protection along the way, to your Clock in with Your Creator Guide that helps establish daily rhythms and connecting habits, to the Scripture Affirmations that speak God's Word specifically over you to press you forward on those hard days, to the Worship Playlist that points you. back to Him. It's all there with everything you need to see you through this task of Vigilance!
So there you have it, sister! Keep on being that vigilant woman of God you are! With Your King in your corner, there is nothing you can't do.
As always, cheering you on in Him,
xx Krista
