I can remember a time in my life when my little dreams started to look more like a possibility and it was when I started journaling. I wasn’t told to do it and for most of my life, it wasn’t something I told a lot of people about because it was my chance to write whatever I wanted. The time felt so freeing and it was a time I didn’t have to worry about being graded on it or having to check my spelling because it was only me who was going to be reading it, except I did believe back then that God read my journal which was ok considering most of my stories and words were meant for Him. What began as a little time away from everything became how I learned how to take notes in church during sermons in junior high into high school and to this day I still journal, but what I love about God is that He has taken some of my thoughts and made them available for others to encourage and inspire. Beginning something takes time and often it comes effortlessly because it’s something we love doing, but as we get older trying to begin something new becomes the scariest thing. How did my mind go from carefree and trusting to hesitant and doubtful? What a simple word Begin…
When I moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2019 God had already planned for me to go to Bible college. I attended community college for four years to get my early childhood education degree and that was education enough for me personally so beginning a two-year program didn’t sound all that appealing. Although I was hesitant I joined the program and began my new life in bible college which was one of my favorite seasons of life because God provided so much within those two years after I had just left a lifestyle I grew up my whole life in Colorado. The professors, pastors, and staff I was able to work with in my classes opened the word of God in a whole new way to me and I couldn’t get enough. The skills I was able to practice around other young adults brought community and conversations I had longed for that would help shape my beliefs. Hearing my fellow students’ testimonies and sharing my story helped me become a better writer and communicator to create what now is my blog. All these things the Lord opened for me and I’m so grateful it all started with a not-so-easy step of Just Beginning.
As kids we dream.
As tweens, we dream bigger.
As teenagers, we pursue one or two to try.
And soon you’ll become a young adult and have the opportunity to dream, pursue, and practice those begun thoughts and passions. Don’t lose the dream but entrust them to God who gave them to you. Maybe they don’t form the way you pictured it but none of them are wasted but motives to push you in the right direction because God places those into us for a reason.
I broke down the word BEGIN into five words that I’ve had in my heart that helped me think through what I should begin. Sometimes it’s good to journal or write these down to pray over to see where it takes you. It doesn’t have to be an instant beginning but trust God with the possibility of starting something new.
B. Bold
– Be bold! To start a passion or go after something that doesn’t fit or make sense takes boldness. In the Bible, there are so many people we can look up to who had to take a step of faith to make the biggest impact it wasn’t easy but took a bold obedient heart.
E. Educate
– To start something is something to learn. Maybe you are familiar with this passion but you don’t know how to start so take time to educate yourself by reading, asking questions, and taking time to see what you can learn within the process of going boldly into this new idea or passion. I love how Jesus was a teacher because I’m a teacher but more than that He was giving the disciples and people a chance to learn and educate themselves about His word He spoke centuries ago but with much more clarity.
G. Gradually
– Remember that nothing happens instantly but gradually. We can get so hyped up about starting something new and exciting that when it starts getting difficult or slow we begin to fade from the purpose behind the beginning. Take it one step at a time and gradually work up to the destination of what you striving for. The disciples had to gradually comprehend all that Jesus was instructing and teaching they didn’t grasp all His meanings right away so stay at a steady pace.
- Invest
– Many think of money when investing but I think about more than that. Yes, sometimes it takes money to go for our dreams but if you are in a different season it also means investing time, energy, and daily commitment to keep them in front of you. As you begin something to practice right away is daily investments in whatever it is. For me writing every day even if it’s not a post but to keep my heart and thoughts open to topics, ideas, and listening to what is needed to share.
N. Navigate
- As you begin anything you need this especially because without direction or a plan you cannot navigate where you are going. First and foremost God has a clear picture of what He is calling you to do and knows the course you will go on and the experience you will go on that gives you the ability to reach others. With that in mind, we still can plan and organize how we’d like to prepare so navigate by prayer first then write down how you can do your best to walk it out. Whenever you begin know that He is worthy of every step!
I hope this five-step BEGIN breakdown helps you start seeing how God has a plan for you. Beginning anything is scary but remember who has called you!
Remember why you started.
Don’t call it a dream. Call it a plan.
Trust God’s Beginning Time.
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