One of my favorite strengths is being an “activator.” If you don’t know, this term comes from the StrengthsFinder test and basically means: someone who can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They want to do things now, rather than simply talk about them. As you can imagine, this “strength” has its weaknesses. Like impatience, getting ahead of myself, making rash or impulsive decisions. But…I’m getting ahead of myself.
Why would you care about whether I am an activator or not? Great question! Honestly, I believe this is probably one of the reasons God connected us! You see, I’m very good at pushing, er encouraging, people to go to the next level, step out, and yes, even start.
Many times, people fail to live their full, abundant potential simply because they aren’t sure of where to start, or where they are even going! Sometimes it’s hard to just believe in yourself, in your dreams, or in that persistent voice that wonders, “Could I really do something significant in the kingdom, in my community, my family or church?” May I answer for you? YES!! A resounding YES! A hundred-times YES!
How do I know this? So many reasons! But let’s start with just one. Listen to Psalms 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.
This verse is the key to living an abundant life of influence and significance! It is the key to unlocking exactly what God had in mind when he created you…and what he has in mind for you in the here and now! You see, your heavenly Father planted seeds of desire deep in every heart. These desires are clues to the plans and purposes he also planted in each of us. The problem is we have lived most of our life thinking our desires were bad, or misguided, or even sinful! We have overlooked the very thing that can lead us into a life of purpose, passion and impact.
Right now you might be saying, Oh sure, this is probably true for some people. The Chosen Few. The Talented, Appointed and Anointed. Those whom God sets in positions of leadership or influence. But not for me. I am none of those things! My life is just average, I’m just average. God couldn’t use someone like me to do something significant in the world.
Oh, sister. I have some amazing news for you! God has an incredible plan for you; one that will touch and transform lives, one that will lead to the most amazing peace, joy and excitement you have ever known. And he put desire in your heart to help you discover what you are on the earth to do.
Maybe you are in your “later” years; maybe half of life has gone by already. Maybe it feels like it is way too late to start something significant! And besides, you are just a …. whatever, (you fill in the blank). I know! I understand all of these things. Even with all these rationalizations…I am so fully convinced that God put desires in our heart for a very important purpose. He is intentional and strategic with everything he does. And our desires are like little clues that can lead us to our purpose, if we will just pay attention.
For me, I just decided I couldn’t deny the desire in my heart any more; my desires to make a difference in women’s lives, to encourage and help them live the lives they are actually called and destined to live.
Now, I have come to believe that this is actually the perfect time! 2021 is the perfect year. Whatever age or situation you are in is actually the PERFECT place to begin to dream and live the life you want to live.
Let’s agree that God’s timing is actually perfect, strategic, purposeful and intentional. Let’s believe together that it’s not too late to become who we’ve always wanted to be!
Maybe you just need a little encouragement, someone to believe with you, to believe in you. And that’s why I’m here. To activate the dreams, desires and gifts within you! To set God’s plans in motion and help you build the life, ministry and influence you are called to build. Let’s start by allowing ourselves to dream a little; to dream again or maybe for the first time. Let’s take some time and get in touch with the desires of our hearts. Reflect on these verses and see what comes up in your heart. Then make the decision that you are going to live the life Jesus died for you to live and that you are going to fulfill the purpose for which you were put on the planet! Together, we can make it happen!
And through the revelation of the Anointed One, he unveiled his secret desires to us—the hidden mystery of his long-range plan, which he was delighted to implement from the very beginning of time.
Ephesians 1:9
So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together for good, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.
Romans 8:28
Through our union with Christ we too have been claimed by God as his own inheritance. Before we were even born, he gave us our destiny; that we would fulfill the plan of God who always accomplishes every purpose and plan in his heart.
Ephesians 1:11