Ready For A Fresh Start?
Dare to dream again.
God called me to ministry – to teach and speak and write to women in such a way that inspires and equips them to trust God more and follow Jesus more closely. I love it.
Mostly.
There are aspects of the ministry I don’t love. Technology gremlins and online trolls. Writing deadlines. These things vex me, but the empty spaces on my calendar rejection letters cause fears and worries that tempt me to give up and get a “real job” with steady paychecks and health insurance benefits.
That would be so sensible, but how would that demonstrate my trust that if God called me to it, He will provide for me as I do it? How can God show up strong in my weakness if I give him no opportunity?
In times of questioning, I look to the Bible for comfort from those who are clearly in the center of God’s will and yet encountered resistance.
Mary, the mother of Jesus is ostracized.
Peter is imprisoned again and again.
Paul is flogged, beaten, shipwrecked and thrown in prison.
Jesus is crucified.
How did they persevere?
They KNEW who God is. They honored, glorified and praised him. You can see it in Mary’s prayer of surrendered trust. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior … Luke 1:46-55
After Peter was imprisoned and flogged, Acts 5:41-42 says he and his companions left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
The presence of pain is not the absence of God.
From experience I know we can stop work on our goals and give up on our callings when we face resistance. Life interrupts us with unexpected pregnancies, and babies who need changing, and toddlers who need training, and teens who need redirection, and your neighbor who needs a jump, and your boss who needs your time and attention, and that marriage that needs a spark of romance and Boom! Progress on your calling comes to a halt.
We lose momentum when we encounter resistance. We begin to complain and grumble. We make excuses. We falter when the tasks become mundane or the work is hard. Fear of failure, rejection, and judgement seizes us.
Proverbs 6:10-11 says, A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
It’s easy to get derailed or detained or distracted or even temporarily disinterested. Don’t despair. You can reset and start again.
Grab your fresh start.
Do you have a calling to change the world, or change your address, or make a difference at work or school or church, or do you want to feed the hungry, bring water to the desert or provide sanctuary to hurting people?
Don’t be discouraged by the distractions of life, the neigh sayers, the false starts or the interruptions of your everyday.
There is no shame in starting again … and again. Keep giving yourself fresh starts until you have accomplished what God has called you to do.
I’d love to hear what you’re working on or dreaming about. Leave me a comment and tell me a little bit about it.
Verse for today: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
Prayer: Father, you know what you made me to do and you put this big dream, goal or plan in me. Help me to partner with you to bring it to life. Amen
Hi we met at a retreat. Can’t remember if it was North or South Carolina but you really touch my heart. Pray that I make the right decision on my next church. My church will no longer exist as of the end of January. I am trying to figure out where the Lord wants me to go. Danville is called the “City of Churches” because everywhere you look is a church.
Hi there!
I’m Elizabeth, I just read your email. … my children are in the middle of chicken pox and I’m feeling a little shut in. At present I’m trying to learn how to dream about things other than work…. there’s no limit to work that could be done but all work and no play makes for a dull world…??
Hi Robyn,
I met you in Rockford, Ohio several years ago at a lady’s event at Mt. Tabor Church of God. A friend invited me to the event, and I remember it was a good time. It is a blessing that you stay in touch with all the acquaintances you have made. I am appreciative. I’ve always wanted a “start”. My heart is about building the kingdom and telling others how to reach others for Christ in our everyday lives…wherever you are. (Behind a podium or around a kitchen table.) Not serving agenda’s but building God’s kingdom. I am not a keynote speaker but for several years I was a licensed lay speaker for our Methodist church, and it allowed me to grow in the area of speaking. No one’s walked out yet : ) Six months ago, I moved out of state and now live in Indiana. I was recently given an opportunity to speak at a small ladies retreat. 15 mins and my daughter spoke as well for 15 min. By the time I got done speaking (and I only spoke half of what I had) she had exactly 2 mins left for hers…ha ha! But mercy was granted and she got to speak her message! I just want to be in the Lords will. I’m getting older and deal with some old-age knees : ) But strangely, when I preach or (sometimes sing like I used to do) I feel no pain. Got to just love the Holy Spirit! I’m not sure why I’m babbling so much to you but you are a “comfortable ” person to talk to. I hope life is good for you sister.
By the way, I did purchase a study from you near the time I moved, Journey to Trust… which I have not yet had the opportunity to plug into yet as we had just become a part of this church. My daughter was hired as a Childrens Director here. But as we get more “planted” I’m looking for opportunities to do so. I wish you well and blessings to ministry God has called you to,
Wowzers, Linda, this is exciting. I’m in agreement with you to follow your heart and answer the call to speak more.
Thanks for sharing. I needed this. I want to quit my full time job with a salary & benefits and do my part time job full time which is contract work as a therapist and spend time with my church youth pastor to learn from her & take her position as youth pastor, because she’s 62 and I’ve had a desire to be a youth pastor for a long time, but felt that I was too old now at 42, but she has inspired me! I’m scared to let my full time job go and lose that security and income, but feel like it’s what God’s calling me to do, so please pray for me. Thank you!
Oh Denise, I hear your heart and ache for your decision.
Lord God Almighty, give Denise perfect peace and your perfect timing to make the changes and shifts. Remind her of your faithfulness and that your leading will seem foolish to the non-believer and not let secular opinions (including her own) interfere with your designed plan and her courage. Be clear and be faithful, Oh God. In Jesus name amen.
Hi Robin,
I met you at a Women’s Retreat near Lake O/ Woodland area a few months ago! You were inspiring and such a delight to learn from. I needed this as well, as I lost my job and don’t want to go back to the workforce! As I believe God is preparing me for my calling to help other women as a speaker myself! So, scary! May God continue to Bless you with engagements and prosper you as you are following his leading! Thank you for all that you do! Blessings!
Hi Robyn,
I never make New Years resolutions. My goal for all time is to be everything Yahweh wants me to be. With Y’shuas help I plan to meet that goal. I have trouble memorizing scriptures. I can read them then try to repeat what I read and can’t remember it all. I only had one chemo treatment of two kinds of chemo, but it effected me. I don’t want to make excuses, I want to learn them. Our church has a Bible School and I’ve attended two and the next session starts on 2/19. We have memory verses for it and my prayers are to know the past 2 sets at the beginning of this one. I know scriptures but being told to do these ones is hard for me. I feel pressure and that makes it worse. The word “test” send me spinning. I Love serving Our Savior and Our Redeemer. I love going to our Ekklesia for worship. I have pastor friends and a Rabbi that help me along this journey and I’m provided well with spiritual fellow Christians that help guide me along this journey. I’ve had some medical issues that have slowed me down and I feel like I’m letting Yahweh down. I am didicated to Yahweh and took the sacred sacrements to seal that covenant with Him. I just want to be ALL for Him and DO what He wants me to do. I won’t give up. I’m struggling to keep HIM my First and Only Love! It’s a Great time to be Alive for Him!! Have a Blessed Day Robyn! Love in Christ, Gertrude
Gertrude, When I read this, I could hear your heart for Jesus and his church. I’m praying your memory behave and embrace scripture so you can excel in your classes and share truth with others. Bless you Sister.