Who You Are: Purpose, Prepare, Power, Persevere
In developing my Who You Are message, I am mindful that there is tremendous depth to each of us as individuals. We are created beings, by God, with specific gifts and talents, unique to who we are before Him. As the Psalm says, He wove us in our mother’s womb. That means He touched you with His hands and molded you to be the only version of you in the history of the universe. Jeremiah 29:11 also says that He has a plan and a purpose for your life, and for mine. The plan is specific and unfolds as we move forward through life.
Additionally, in our DNA as it relates to the gifts and talents we have been given, we are endowed with wisdom and power, which is unlocked as we go through life. This is only the “tip of the iceberg” though. As we seek God, we open the door to His power, since He is the one who put it there in the first place. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first his kingdom, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Jesus is actually talking about “stuff” here! He’s saying that if our heart is in the right place, and we truly want to follow God, and do it, then he will give us what we ask. It’s a matter of priorities.
This is the beginning of being able to tap into the power of the Lord, our God. The same power that spoke the universe into existence. The same power that caused you to be born. The same power that says you are a masterpiece. The same power that sent His Son so that He could live with you in eternity. That same power that He wants to give to you! Stop and think about that before you read on.
I call it our “superpower.” Not like the movies, it’s a secret power reserved only for you. And, it’s already inside of you, waiting to be released. There is no catch, nothing we have to do as it is already given. The thinking though, is that most never realize or truly believe it to be true as it sounds too spectacular. So, we lean on our own power and miss out. Most people do this for their lifetime.
Here’s the process I teach, and it is absolutely true. We all yearn for success, whatever that may mean to each of us. God tells us through scripture that whatever success we are thinking of is small, compared to what He wants to give us. It won’t just drop in our lap, though as He will test us to determine our commitment to His plan.
It looks like this:
In order to have success, we need growth. In order for growth to happen, we need strength. In order to get strength, we need adversity. This formula works in both directions in specific order:
Adversity will provide strength;
Strength will provide growth;
Growth will provide success. And,
Success won’t come without growth;
Growth won’t happen without strength;
Strength won’t come without adversity.
The key which unlocks all of this is adversity. No success comes without adversity. None. I don’t like to use absolutes like always/never, because it doesn’t leave the door open for other ideas, so I use them sparingly. In this case, No success comes without adversity. Therefore, in order to attain the success I desire, I need to lean into the adversity and power through it. There are no shortcuts. The pathway beside me may look like it will have a good outcome, but it’s not the path I’ve been given. As I accept this and I am lead by my faith in God and myself, the superpower begins to unfold. I have strength I didn’t know I had; I am growing in ways I didn’t know I could; I am reaping success I never dreamed of. And it’s only the beginning, and it’s all in how I am thinking, controlling my thoughts and laying it at the foot of God. As you pray, ask for wisdom to know His desire for you and that you recognize His plan.
If I shortcut the process, I actually lengthen the time it will take to achieve my desires, my idea of success. Therefore, the success will be less than I might have had.
To your situation, and your frustration this is only my perspective and advice. I also believe it wholeheartedly about myself and I believe it can work for you. Lean into your adversity. Stay committed to your team; stay the course. Without commitment, the grass will always look greener, until you stand on that grass; then you'll see it’s exactly the same or maybe worse. Pursue excellence each day. Excellence and perfection are not related. Perfection requires, well, perfection which is not possible. With excellence, you have permission to make mistakes (adversity). Work and learn as you go (strength). Strive always to be better (growth). Then, enjoy the success it brings. Keep working and stay on your path. Believe in yourself, truly believe. Believe in who you are.
Naturally, keep your eyes open for the amazing opportunities as they come along and go for it if it’s the right thing. I think any opportunity worth pursuing will be obvious and big. Keep preparing for that day; as 10 time NCAA Basketball Championship Coach John Wooden said, “When opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare.”
Don’t listen to those who won’t encourage. Don’t listen to the voice inside that says you can’t do it, you don’t measure up. You have people who are rooting for you to succeed. Maintain close relationship with them. You also have a Creator who is rooting for you to succeed and He wants to give you the power and strength to do so. Lean in and see what you find.