Following Jesus requires stepping out of our comfort zone and taking risks. Easier said than done, right? And it can be especially challenging if we’re worried about repeating history.
For example, even if He’s done a great transformative work in us, how do we know that we won’t make more bad choices? How do we recognize the right kind of risks in the first place - the ones that align with God’s plans?
Sister, having personally walked this road, I’m here to tell you that clarity and confidence is obtainable! Join me (for episode #82) as I share some practical, actionable tips - along with personal examples - to help you move forward with God instead of remaining rooted in fear of the past.
Show Notes:
Intro
Taking risks for God. It’s not a concept that’s taught a lot in the big “C” church (which unfortunately often focuses more on remaining comfortable), but it is a requirement for a full life with Christ. And being a warrior princess for Jesus. For several reasons.
One, God wants to call us to big things - and this usually requires us to step out in faith in the process. Two, the Holy Spirit can prompt us to do seemingly uncomfortable things in the moment like approaching a stranger with a message - or prompting us to create something for someone we don’t know. Three, He often calls us into different seasons of life, wanting to move us upward and onward, blessing us and as well as others, and helping to impact His Kingdom here on earth.
These are just a handful of examples. But the big idea is this: to truly follow Jesus, and to allow Him to transform us into the strong, capable, fierce, and impactful women we were created to be (individually unique though we may be)…we need to take risks. We need to step outside our comfort zones. We need to think big and, when He calls us to, act big. Even if it’s just on faith.
But…a lot of us have pasts where we made bad decisions. Maybe we were a different person then (not having experienced God’s presence, healing, or transformative work in a specific way yet).
Or maybe we simply didn’t know better at the time. Perhaps we were better at surviving than thriving, for example. Or maybe it was a simple case of not having the right information.
Or, maybe at the time we thought we were following God (only to discover that this wasn’t the case later). Or, perhaps we just got off-track in our relationship with Him, which in turn affected our choices.
And maybe some of those decisions were real doozies. Ones that created consequences that we’re still dealing with today, months or years later.
In that case, how can we confidently take risks for God? How can we be sure that we’re not going to be mistaken? Or repeat history? Either by repeating an old pattern or missing something? How do we live big for God without screwing up like before?
These are all legitimate questions. But…they don’t get to be fears that keep us from seizing the life, calling, or impact God wants us to have.
So, how can you work through all of this? How do you answer these questions, combat your worries and fears, and free yourself to run forward with God?
Here are some practical, actionable answers born from both Biblical truth and my extensive personal experience….
Tip #1: Forgive Yourself
As I mentioned in the very beginning of this episode, a few years ago I drifted from God and, as a result, made some horrible financial decisions. Long story short, I got sucked into the online entrepreneurship world and ended up spending thousands and thousands of dollars (that I did not have) on coaching and courses. Despite the fact that none of these things bore any fruit, I continued to make the so-called investment, wanting to find that ‘one thing’ that would get my business off the ground.
Eventually, God swooped back into my life and saved me from myself - and financial ruin. He also informed me that “my business was His mission”; placed me into a wilderness season to bring us back into relationship; then gave me direction for this podcast and what is now Relate Escape. He also told me to attend a virtual dream conference held by a Chrisitian entrepreneur.
During one of the workbook exercises at that virtual conference, I made a note of my crazy amount of debt. Something that I felt horrible about. Looking back on that period before God righted me and my world, I didn’t recognize myself. I couldn’t believe that I’d done what I did. Me, the woman who had longed to be debt free for so many years, only to get much more deeply in debt.
Do you know what God told me during that workbook exercise? He said I needed to forgive myself.
He didn’t berate me; He didn’t tell me that I had been stupid or careless; or that He was disappointed in me or no longer loved me. No. Our God, who is perfect love (as stated in Scriptures such as 1 John 4:18), told me to forgive myself. Despite what we may have been taught or led to believe, it’s simply not in God’s character to beat us up over our mistakes or sins.
I, however, had been beating myself up plenty. Yet God knew that (a) He had more in store for me than I could imagine, and (b) I was weighing myself down with unnecessary guilt and therefore risking being stuck.
God wanted me to move forward - but I was encumbering myself. Weighing myself down with guilt and negative thoughts about myself. But what good would that do? That only helps the Enemy.
Sure, I had screwed up. But no bad decision, or its consequences, however large it is, is bigger than God. He can redeem anything. Course correct anything. Overcome anything. Case in point - I now have this story as an example to share with countless women facing a similar struggle.
Am I still paying off the bulk of that debt? Yes. But God is also using it for good. At the end of my wilderness period, when I landed a full-time job after solely relying on God for provision, I had to ask for a certain hourly rate in order to cover my bills - including my debt payments. My new employer never batted an eye. As a result, I ended up increasing my income (and making more than I ever thought possible) by around 20k/year. Two years later, I landed a job making six figures, raising my income by about 45k/year.
We might get laser-focused on our mistakes. But God is much more interested in showing us our value, worth, and potential (and the amazing plans He has for us) than making us feel like failures. That’s the Enemy’s department - not God’s.
If I had remained focused on my failure (on my bad choices and money mismanagement) - that occurred during one small period of my life - I might have completely missed out on what God had for me. And I don’t mean just money. My latest job is how God funded my move across the country - something He specifically called me to do. By staying stuck, I would have essentially thumbed my nose at God’s bigger, long term plan for me - and for all of the women He wants to touch through me.
So sister, whatever the mistake or sin is, forgive yourself. Whatever you can’t stop thinking about; that you keep beating yourself up about; even if you’re not that woman anymore; forgive yourself. God is not holding it against you, trust me. He’s more concerned about you holding yourself back….particularly when He has plans for you.
Like it says in Jeremiah 29:11, “"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.”
Which brings me to my next tip….
Tip #2: Pray & Practice Gratitude
This might sound like a weird tip, but hang with me for a second. This will all make sense.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “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.”
There are several key points here.
Firstly, if you’re evaluating whether a risk or call outside of your comfort zone is from God, pray and seek His guidance. Ask for confirmation. This may seem obvious, but sometimes when we’re unsure, scared, or confused, we get caught up in our emotions and thoughts and forget to check-in with God. We forget to lean on Him for clarity, confirmation, and confidence.
Secondly, as the verse pointedly says, don’t be anxious. If this is something God is calling you to do, He will equip you to do it. He’s very much aware of the situation; how you’re feeling; what you’ll need in terms of support, or finances, or logistics. The call might not be easy - God doesn’t promise us a super easy life. But, He will equip you and be there with you every step of the way.
Thirdly, I want to focus on a phrase in that Scripture that is often overlooked: “with thanksgiving.” As in, with gratitude or thanks.
There’s nothing wrong with going to God with our requests. After all, that’s what He’s specifically telling us to do in these verses. But something amazing happens when we also approach God with gratitude: we remind ourselves of all the ways He’s shown up for us recently.
God doesn’t need us to build up His ego or sense of self-esteem. So, giving thanks to Him here isn’t about Him - it’s about us. Yes, there are other things attached to this - such as humility and having a grateful heart. But here, giving thanks is mentioned in the same verse as bringing your questions or concerns to Him.
After having this verse explained to me in this way (ironically, during the wilderness season I mentioned a minute ago), I made a point of having a “gratitude section” at the beginning of my prayer time. And I found that it made a huge difference. I wasn’t devoid of faith. But even so, thanking God on a regular basis (for things big and small) reminded me of His power, love, and presence.
Afterward in my prayers, I ask Him my questions and talk through whatever challenges or uncertainties I’m currently facing.
So if you’re facing a possible calling or season from God, but you’re caught up in who you were before or what you’ve done in the past, take it to God. Ask Him for clarity and confirmation. But also, focus on gratitude. What amazing things has God done in your life? That no one else could do? If He can do those things, He can not only make sure that you’re on the right path, but help you as you traverse it. And that includes ensuring that you don’t make any mis-steps or bad calls. (Especially if you’re making a point to keep Him close and in the loop, and ultimately calling the shots.)
Forgive yourself as I talked about in Tip #1. While also seeking His clarity and direction - and reminding yourself of all the incredible and transformative things He’s done for you.
Tip #3: Remind Yourself that God Gave You the Call
Like I said in the opening of this episode, following where Jesus leads isn’t always easy. Even after you’ve gotten confirmation and started down the path.
God doesn’t work by limited human logic. Which means that, a good portion of the time, we are called to do things that, to others (and even ourselves at the time), don’t make much sense.
But we need to remind ourselves that this thing that, from a human standpoint, looks like a huge risk; or takes us outside of our comfort zone; or seems illogical is, to Him, a perfect part of His plan.
My recent move from OH to WA is a prime example - in several ways.
One, when God initially gave me the call I was in a relationship with a man who lived here in WA. So logically, the call seemed to make sense. However, per God’s direction, that relationship ended a month after I arrived. Suddenly, this call to move 2,000 miles where I’m no longer in contact with the one person I knew here seems a bit sketchy. Did God mess up? Did I screw up and get it wrong? It would be very easy to start moving down those paths of thought - which wouldn’t lead anywhere good.
What do I do instead? I trust God. I remember the endless number of ways that He’s taken care of me in the past. I give thanks for what He’s given me recently with this move. And - I remind myself that He did, indeed, call me to do this. He made that quite clear - otherwise, I wouldn’t have done it.
Two, I moved economically. My furniture back in OH was ten years old, so it made more sense to sell what I had; downsize my other material possessions to only what I wanted to take; and buy new furniture in WA.
This required spending thousands of dollars - in addition to funding the move itself. For someone who’s been wanting to pay off her large amount of debt for several years, this move might seem illogical. Maybe even irresponsible.
But, again, it’s what God called me to do. So, I don’t need to feel guilty for my new furniture - which is a step-up from what I previously had. God basically forced me, with this move, to create an apartment that reflects the new me. The one that He’s putting on track to be a published book author; an entrepreneur in His name; and whatever else that He has planned that I don’t know about yet.
As I said a few minutes ago, God is more concerned with His plan, and showing us our true potential, value, and worth, than keeping us mired in our mistakes.
But if I choose to stay focused on the past - on things I cannot change and that God has forgiven me for - instead of what God is calling me to do, that’s a problem. I’m way less likely to follow Him outside of my comfort zone, or take risks in His name, or do something that seems nutty from a human standpoint but makes perfect sense from the standpoint of God’s plan.
Despite what it’s tempting to think (like God messed up, or we did) or what others may say, if God has made it clear that this is something He wants you to do, remind yourself of that truth. The ask or task may seem weird or arbitrary, but God doesn’t make us do things for the heck of it. He’s got a plan - an amazing one. And there’s usually a lot more going on than we’ll ever see or understand. He’s not referred to as the Master Weaver for nothing.
Wrap-up
Sister, I hope this episode - and the tips within - have equipped you with both strategy and hope. Like you, I have a past that includes sin and mistakes. Some of them are pretty big.
So I completely understand what it’s like to be standing on a new precipice in your relationship with God, wanting to be that warrior princess that jumps out in faith in His name, yet wondering if you’re going to mess up again.
But the thing to remember, sister, above everything else that I’ve said today, is that when you give your life to Christ, and when you’re baptized, you’re a new creation. The old has passed away. And as you move forward, walking with Christ and being embodied by the Holy Spirit, you’re being transformed.
You also have a loving Heavenly Father who is all about your safety and well-being. Even as He’s calling you to step out. Even on the slim chance that’d you make a similar mistake, the God of the universe has your back. If you’re attuned to His voice and listening, He’ll give you the direction you need. And if you’re having a hard time hearing His voice for whatever reason, He’ll orchestrate things to keep you on the right path.
Sister, you don’t have to be afraid to take risks for God. Because, quite frankly, anything with God actually isn’t a risk. A lot of the sin and mistakes we made prior to our relationship with God was because we were alone. And as women, we often have little options or find ourselves in precarious situations. We made decisions, to be sure, but we often face difficulties that men don’t face.
God knows that. And He knows who you truly are - who He created you to be. But in order to get there with Him, we need to be willing to step outside of our current comfort zone and try something new. After all, we’re new in Christ right? It’s time to do new things.
Forgive yourself. Seek His direction and give Him thanks for all the things He has done and is currently doing for you. And as you step forward on the path He’s directed you to, remind yourself that the God who created you AND the universe not only gave you the call, no matter how crazy it seems, but is at your side.
As God told me prior to me moving to WA, using Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Cheers!