Forging Development

Do you find it hard to follow God? Do you struggle trusting his plan for you? Do you want to do what you want to do and not what God wants you to do? Well you’ve come to the right place because I struggle with the same. You can join the millions of Christ followers who struggle with doubts, trust, full submission, and many other things. The good news is that you can bring your doubts, worries, and anxieties to him. 

Following God and leaning into his calling is not easy. It involves giving up what you want, dropping everything, and fully committing to follow him which is hard. It is so worth it though. Following him is difficult because as Christ followers we are going to experience trials of many kinds. James 1:2 says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” We can take heart in knowing we are not alone in our hardships.

Leaning into God’s calling is hard but with the right steps and people surrounding you, it can lead to the most fulfillment you will ever get in this life. See below for some steps on how you can lean into God’s calling for your life.

Steps for Leaning into God’s Calling

1. Praying Consistently: The number one way to talk to God is through prayer.  Praying consistently can help you to grow closer to him, enabling you to hear when he is speaking to you. Consistent prayer not only helps you grow closer to him but it also brings peace and joy to our hearts knowing that we are fostering that connection with our savior.

2. Reading/Engaging in Scripture: Physically reading his word will change your life. The bible is the number one way to learn about Jesus, fight off the enemy, get through spiritual attacks, and understand how to live for God and not for this world. Setting a habit of getting in the word daily will build discipline but also cultivate that connection with Jesus. He speaks to us through his word. 

3. Using your Talents and Passions: We have all been gifted unique talents, passions, and spiritual gifts by our savior. The awesome thing is that you don’t have to be confined to a way you can lean into God’s calling. God gave you talents and passions for a reason, and he wants you to use them to further advance his mission of reaching people. 

4. Seeking Wise Counsel: We can’t do this alone so having wise counsel and accountability partners is a great way to foster that connection with the Holy Spirit. Relying on a trusted mentor or friend to keep you in check will set you up for success in leaning in and trusting God’s plan for your life.

5. Be Patient: It is super easy for us to want our lives to move fast. The crazy thing is that God has his own timing for our lives and that is why we need to trust him. Trusting him can be so difficult especially when we might be new in our faith or in a busy season. There is so much going on that we look to the future and don’t trust him with it rather than focusing on the present and trusting him with our future. Practicing patience can better equip us to be present and lean in with purpose.

6. Surrender your Plans and Desires: Whatever plans you may have, whatever desires you may have, SURRENDER THEM. Jesus has the ultimate plan for your life. It might be hard to see but trust him. Jeremiah 29:11 says ‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’

7. Taking Steps in Faith: God may call you to do something that may seem scary. This is where we are called to take steps in faith. A common theme we have discussed is trust. It is perhaps the most important factor when it comes to our relationship with Christ.

Example From My Life

I took a huge step of faith about 8 months ago when I decided to apply for an internship at Life.Church. I was working a decent job where I was paid pretty well and I was comfortable but I was searching for something more, something with purpose. I got to looking and remembered that I heard a few months prior about internships at Life.Church not just involving pastorship. I realized I could apply for a finance internship as I am going for a business degree. So after some time and prayer I did just that. The process taught me patience and trust. It is still teaching me trust. I took a pay cut but I know it is going to pay off and it already has. I am three months in and this has been the craziest and most fulfilling ride of my life. The way that Jesus has moved in my life in the last three months is amazing. I am just an ordinary twenty year old man but through Jesus we are extraordinary. We can do anything through Christ who gives us strength. 

Romans 8:28 ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’

Proverbs 3:5-6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’

2 Timothy 1:7 ‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.’

Prayer for Leaning into God’s Calling

Dear God, thank you for who you are and being a firm rock for us to lean on. I pray that you would help me to have faith and lean into what you are calling me to. Guide my steps, help me to trust you, help me to have patience, help me to be a light unto others. I love you so much and everything you have done for me. In Jesus name, Amen.

Concluding Announcement

I apologize for being late on getting this one out haha. It has been a crazy few weeks. I plan on starting to push out way more content as I have started a social media fast because I want to allocate my time to more important things like this. Feel free to comment and read on. Thank you.