Friday Nurturing Content - 01/12/24

Happy Friday, Friend!

As we step into the second week of January, I pray the beginnings of your year have been productive and your hands have been open and ready to receive what God has in store for you.

Exciting things are happening for us over at the Christian Authors Network Facebook group! I have enjoyed seeing the joy and enthusiasm from the community as we embark on this journey to become visionaries together. What personal or professional vision do you have for 2024 that we can help you achieve?

As we expand our mission for the Christian Authors Network in this new year, it is very evident that the only way we can achieve it is through intentional steps and a heart that is open to God’s leading.

All throughout this month, we’re exploring the theme of “Seeking God’s Will.” What does it look like to seek (and maybe to even understand) God’s will for your life? And why does it even matter?

Today, we’re focusing on the how. How do we seek God’s will? It’s really not that complicated. These four practical steps can help us as we navigate the path He has set before us for 2024.

Step 1: Surrender Your Plans to God's Guidance

"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." -Proverbs 3:5-6

We begin seeking God’s will by first surrendering our plans and dreams to God's guiding hand. What does that even look like? It is different for each one of us but it means to let go of control. Put your trust in God. All of it.

Trust His wisdom. His timing. His providence. Our ways may seem valid and logical but the Bible tells us that His ways are higher and to not rely on our own knowledge and understanding.

I encourage you to let go of the need to be in control and submit every aspect of your life to Him. Let God surprise you!

Step 2: Seek God in Prayer

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer is so powerful. It is the most intimate conversation you could possibly have. It is the greatest act of both surrender and submission. It is an act of worship.

When we come before our Creator, we are able to lay down our deepest desires, fears, hopes, dreams, and shortcomings. But, we are also able to lift up our hands and praise the God who is and always was a Promise Keeper. As we acknowledge His faithfulness to us, we can submit to His will because we know that His way is better and He will not fail us. And, through this very same dialogue, we can receive peace and comfort in exchange for the doubt and anxiety we may feel as we travel through the unknowns of our life.

Step 3: Immerse Yourself in God's Word

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." -Psalm 119:105

The Bible is more than just a guidebook on this journey we call life. It is the very living Word of our Creator and Father, given to men through the Holy Spirit. It's a source of wisdom and direction, comfort and promise.

Think of it a bit like the built-in GPS we have on our smartphones today. Much like we’d struggle to get to a new location without the turn-by-turn instruction of a satellite-guided voice, without God’s Word, it is near impossible to get through this life.

The more we read God’s Word, the more we get to know Him. As we uncover the deep layers of God’s character, we allow the Word to saturate our hearts and minds, which shapes our decisions and actions. Bottom line: The more we read our Bibles, the more we understand His will for our lives.

Step 4: Be Open to God's Leading 

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" -Isaiah 30:21

This is the final step and, while it may feel a bit intangible, it’s a crucial step to keep in mind. While reading His Word and prayer are important Christian disciplines and will help you to seek God’s will for your life, you cannot actually align yourself to His will if you remain unwilling to be led.

You must be attentive to His guidance, which oftentimes comes in the form of soft whispers and gentle nudges. It may take you through unexpected turns and maybe even some pitfalls. But, as long as you lift your hands in surrender and allow God to be the leader in your life, you can believe that He is orchestrating your steps and bringing you toward something bigger and better than you could have imagined!

Trust in His goodness!

May this week be filled with moments of seeking, listening, and aligning with God's perfect will for your life.

Dedicated to your success,

Tam