Start With These Truths

1. God has plans for your life that make your wildest dreams look whack. (Ephesians 3:20 MSG)
2. You’re going to win at what He’s called you to do. (Joshua 1:9 ERV)
3. You have an adversary that will do anything to stop you from winning. (1 Peter 5:8-11 MSG)
4. One of your adversaries is YOU. (Mark 11:23 MSG)

Now…

Life was hunky-dory when you were just doing whatever. No one had an opinion and you were comfortable with your mediocre life.

But, one day you discovered that God created you on purpose, for a purpose.

And, now, life has become a lot more difficult.

There’s a reason for this: Satan doesn’t fight his own teammates.

When you were living for yourself, you may not have been chanting demonic phrases, but you weren’t living to fulfill the will of God; therefore, you weren’t a threat then.  

Now that you’ve decided to live for God – reconcile with your sister, love your enemies, tithe, seek Him first, and be 100% who God has called you to be, Satan’s got you on his radar.  

He’s creating some extra work to frustrate you (Matthew 13:24-28).

He’s whispering lies about how inadequate you are.

Meanwhile, you’re growing more and more impatient, sad, and afraid because what you see looks so immensely different from where God showed you He would take you.

And, you wonder if Satan is right…

Am I the one God really created to accomplish this God-sized GOAL?

Can I let you in on a secret?

You’re being distracted and second-guessing yourself because you’re right where God wants you.

The thing is – Everything that took you to the top of your previous level will keep you at the bottom of your current level.

The old lone-wolf life you liked? Those days are over.

Prepare for God’s Success

First, you’re going to need God.

Where you’re going, you can’t get there by yourself. God will guide you step-by-step, day-by-day.

Next, you’re going to need a team.

God has given others an assignment to link arms with you. You’re moving into a territory that yesterday’s knowledge (and solitude) can’t sustain. You need talented, dedicated people to walk with you.

Third, you have to remember that harvesting the crop is work.

Harvesting the crop is a blessing that requires sweat and labor. You prayed for it to grow. Now, it’s here and you have to pull it up and plant again.  

Fourth, a “disadvantaged Christian” is an oxymoron.

I know you’re feeling like everyone else was groomed for their assignment. Everyone else has a wealthy parent, less debt, or is better connected. So, that means you’ve forgotten where your help really comes from (Zechariah 4:6).

The Holy Spirit is your helper.
The Word is your light.
Jesus Christ is your counselor.

You’re always ahead of the game when you’re walking with God.

But, don’t just walk, talk!

Admit where you are, ask for what you need, and believe you will receive it.

• Have you prayed for a mentor?
• Have you consulted God about a team?
• Have you considered volunteering to increase or spruce up your skill set?
• Are you fostering relationships with people/organizations that can bless you (and you, them)?
• Are you following the top people in your industry?
• Have you asked how they plan their day? What tools or apps they use?
• Do you have a circle who supports what God is doing in you and through you?

So, what’s the play call?

You’re finding resistance because you’ve finally decided it’s God or nothing (Romans 14:8). Surround yourself with people who celebrate that decision and keep you lifted in prayer.

Start looking around. How do people on this level dress, speak, think and structure their day? A certain part of the work is over, but there’s still more work to be done. Don’t give up now.

Ask God to show you how to work smarter. And, whatever you do, never put your calling before Him. It’s His breath in your lungs, therefore, He should remain first on your mind and in your life (Matthew 6:33).