God isn’t messing around when he says “Hop in, let’s go.”
He said it to Noah.
He said it to Moses.
He said it to Jonah.
He said it to Mary.
He said it to Peter (technically that one was “hop out.”).
He said it to all his disciples.
And He says it to us.
What has been your most recent “let’s go” moment? Maybe it was an itch to try something new, or a nudge to make a big decision like take a new job or move to a new home. Perhaps you met someone, or learned something, had an idea you can’t get out of your head. Maybe there’s a problem you feel burdened to help solve. (If you’ve spent even one minute watching the news lately, there’s probably at least one social justice cause pulling on your heart.)
These nudges, the real big ones, keep you up at night. They draw out your creativity and focus and intensity. They tap into your unique strengths and abilities and purpose, which is why your heart beats a little faster when you think about them.
They are invitations to a fuller life… a life of meaning and contribution and impact. Rarely is it about you. It’s about what God is going to do through you.
That still small voice inside (some call it intuition or your gut, I believe it’s the Holy Spirit) will whisper quietly – but unmistakably – “GO.”
Which is why it’s especially important to tell the crotchety little devil on your shoulder to shut up.
He’s the worst.
His job is to keep you scared, small, insignificant, ineffective, weak, and quiet. His best tool for the job? Lies. Lies about your flaws, lies that you’ll never be more than your past failures, lies that you’re not enough, lies that there’s someone else better for the job.
By saying yes to an invitation to a new adventure, you’re opening yourself up for growth, strength, wisdom, effectiveness, influence, impact, and meaningful contribution.
So it’s no wonder the devil on your shoulder starts throwing every dirty bomb he can to keep you stuck right where you are. He’s smart. He’ll hit you where it hurts and then add another blow just to make sure you’re down for the count.
Fill your mind and your heart with good stuff. It’s the only way I know and believe you can shrug off those lies and the emotions they stir up. So many people live their whole lives tuned into that constant lying voice, rather than dialing into the voice that sees the best in us; the one who created us and invites us for more.
Truths about this invitation:
- You won’t feel ready
- You won’t feel equipped
- You will feel afraid
- You will try to talk yourself out of it – or run away from it altogether
But here is the most important truth:
There is no one better for the assignment than you.
I find these invitations happen pretty predictably after I’ve fallen hard and picked myself up again with fresh wisdom gained. After I’ve royally screwed up at the end of my rope and surrendered control (a lifelong-to-learn-it lesson for me, apparently). I’ve gotten quiet enough and willing enough to even be able to hear an invitation for a new adventure.
The invitation to:
- Change my mindset
- Refine my behavior
- Evaluate and nurture my relationships
- Offer an apology
- Care for my health
- Start a new project
- Say no to something so I have room to say yes to something else
- Create something of value
A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life. – Coco Chanel
A few years back, I went crazy and cut my hair. It was drastic and it was fun. Looking back, I was craving a mega change in my life, but I completely ignored the right invitation. I didn’t have the awareness or insight yet to realize the right new adventure was going to take a lot more than scissors. So I rocked a pixie for a couple years while I watched my marriage (and my whole life) fall apart.
I ignored the invitation to become a better version of myself on the inside. It felt too big and too scary to dig into. I felt unequipped and embarrassed to admit I needed some help and resources, so rather than taking a bold first step towards a better self and a better marriage, I dove into an easy distraction and stayed stuck right where I was.
(If this is you, and your marriage/finances/parenting/spiritual walk need some TLC, slip into our online conference for FREE, from the safety of your home and computer screen. Click here for info and to register.)
You know full well the new adventure that’s inviting you. Get quiet, get honest with yourself, and muster up just enough guts to call it by name.
Actually do that, right now.
So what is it? It may look like a big decision you’ve been dragging your feet on, or it might just be a simple shift in your mind or routine that will make a huge impact in every area of your life.
But wait…
I get it, today’s not a good day to start. It’s a Thursday. There’s a full moon. Suzy has softball tryouts. You’ve still got the tail end of cedar fever. There are always a million excuses, a million reasons why you should wait. Maybe you’re dressing up procrastination as “I need to ask another person’s opinion.” I have done all these things. Let me save you time and heartache because excuses don’t work. They don’t help reach a decision and they definitely don’t bring any peace. Quite the opposite, in fact. Indecision is a huge anxiety trap.
This is your one wild and precious life. You get to call the shots. The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago, but the next best time is today. Take a deep breath and pick up your feet.
Mostly, a new adventure probably feels scary. It’s because we’re not meant to go it alone. Find someone who believes in you enough to smash the bottle of champagne on your boat and put wind in your sails. What other people think is none of your business but we all need a cheering section.
If you feel unequipped, you probably are. Spoiler alert. But the tools you need will appear when you start moving forward with a determined heart and a made-up mind.
With every step forward, that shoulder-devil is going to remind you of why you’re going to fail at this new adventure. Mine likes to ask me: what’s the point? That’s his favorite weapon to make me feel small and insignificant. LIES. Swat him away.
Instead, make up your mind to look to the One who invited you along for the journey, and say, even in the shakiest voice, “let’s go.”
HP,
J
Drop a comment below: what’s the one adventure you know you’re being called into right now but are scared to take the first step? Then subscribe to our community for great tips on personal growth!