When I first started my blog, I quickly realized that this had been my “daydream” for a long time. I was finally living out what I believed was God’s plan for my life. I prayed for everything that I wrote to be nothing more than a reminder: a reminder to every single person who reads that they are valued, cared for and loved by an amazing and gracious God. I wanted to use the comfort that I had received from Him to comfort others – and that meant being vulnerable and open in areas that I didn’t necessarily wish to be.

But it didn’t come easily. I had the desire to begin writing four years ago. I battled God on it nearly every day and did everything but write. I lived in a maze of perpetual worry and fear: fear of disappointment, fear of being disliked and fear that I would never be “good enough.” No matter how close I thought I was to finding my way out, I took one wrong turn and felt completely lost again.

Lies filled my mind. Lies that this blog would be pointless. That people would think I was ridiculous for pursuing such a misunderstood ministry. That it would bring more discouragement than opportunity.

Yet, God has given me the ability to overcome. I chose the name Sparrows & Lily based on two of my favorite verses: Matthew 6:28-32 and Matthew 10:29-31. These scriptures have always reminded me that I am unconditionally cherished and bring hope to my heart in some of the most difficult seasons. These are the words that finally pushed me to trust instead of fear.

I now have the opportunity to love and share life with people that I’ve never met. To share Truth with many who are longing for hope. To listen to friends and strangers who just need someone to talk to.

Friends: What is the passion or dream that God has given you? What is on the other end of the rope that persistently tugs on your heart and draws you in again and again?

Is there a ministry or volunteer opportunity that you know you should be a part of?
Do you feel called to adopt, but fear the difficulty of it all?
Is there a career path that you know you should have taken, but are choosing to go the easier route?

As children of the King, we have His power to overcome these fears and the ability to succeed in whatever it is that He is calling us to. We have all been given a gifting. Whether it is encouragement, giving, leadership, serving, discernment – you name it – it takes active obedience to listen to His voice in regards to your calling and to pursue it.

The great thing is: all of this really has very little to do with you. Doesn’t that take some pressure off? He doesn’t need you, but He chooses to use you. It’s not about us. It’s all about Him.

And as I have grown to learn that it’s not about me, I have quickly realized that I need to be cautious when it comes to pursuing my goals. I want to ensure that these good dreams don’t become ultimate dreams, causing me to trample over the truly important things in my life.

Here are a few questions I often ask myself while working toward my goals:

1. Is my passion and pursuit of my dream in line with God’s word?

2. Am I keeping God and my family at the forefront or am I stealing valuable time from them?

3. Do I have to sacrifice my integrity in order to get where I want to go? 

4. Am I remaining in prayer and keeping God’s name big and my name small?

I know that I have such a long way to go, and I still have so many dreams of my own, but the most freeing part of my journey has been this: I no longer have an answer to the question,
“What is something that you’ve always wanted to do, but never did?”

In all of your endeavors and in everything – as parents, as spouses, as friends – remember that He is God, He is good, He is in control – even of your failures – and He desires beautiful things for your life. He is strong where you are weak and He has never failed to know better than you. Today, let Him take you into uncomfortable territory. Pursue Him endlessly and make a decision to live out His calling for your life. <3

 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

With Grace,

Lindsey

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