Weekly Affirmation:

Many are called but few are chosen. The difference between the called and the chosen is that the chosen choose to answer.

Weekly Wisdom:

What You Can Do vs. What You Are Called to Do

To accomplish all that is in store for you during this next season of your life, you must embrace one very important principle: your ability to thrive will be based on grace, not works. (See Romans 11:5). Grace is tied to God’s unlimited goodness and greatness. Works are tied to our limited workings and abilities.

Even as a talented person who is full of potential, you must recognize that your “works” always have limits. As such, there are many things in life that you can do, but few things that you are divinely called to do. Similarly, there are many paths we could take, but few paths we should take. Seeking a life of significance versus a lifestyle of success requires that you recognize the important of operating within God’s operation, not your own.

One of the most stressful (albeit self-imposed) personal experiences we face is when we arrive at a crossroad. So many questions begin to run wild. Should I take this road, or that one? Should I pursue this dream, or the other one? Should I stop or keep going? Am in the right career? Am I going in the right direction? Are my talents being utilized? Is there more in store for me? What if I fail? These questions go on and on.

Part of the stress we experience in our decision-making process comes from fear of making a “wrong” decision. However, we should always rest assured in knowing that in our weakness, God is strong. He cares about anything and everything that concerns you. He does not expect you to know it all. He does not expect you to have a comprehensive plan outlining every step in your future. He does not even expect you to know your next step. The good news is that sometimes this ‘uncertain’ place is exactly where God needs you to be. When we feel lost, we can always find ourselves in Him. When we are weak, He is strong. When we don’t know what do, we can rely upon the One who does. Our directional reliance and trust should be based upon our alliance and relationship with our Tour Guide.

He sees you. He knows where you are. He knows exactly what you are facing. Nothing is a surprise to Him. And, nothing is too big or too confusing for Him either.

If you are at any kind of crossroad or facing a tough decision, remember that God is the know-it-all, not you. Instead of worrying about making a right or wrong choice, ask God to be WITH you in your choices. Release the unnecessary pressure you put on yourself when you try to make a “right” decision when you can never really have all of the information. Only Heaven gets a birds-eye view! So, take the day off and remember that God’s on duty working things out on your behalf. Oh, and He doesn’t need your help. He only requires that you have an open, willing, obedient and surrendered heart.

Keep ME Focused:

Build an environment around you that keep you focused. What you listen to ultimately leads you. I again recommend that you download the 7-Day Focus ME Challenge today. It will help you stay focused, which is the MOST important skill you will need this year and beyond.

Scriptural Reflections:

• 2 Corinthians 12:9
• Romans 11:5-7
• 2 Corinthians 2:5
• 1 Peter 5:7
• Jeremiah 29:13
• 1 Kings 17:7-24
• Matthew 7:7

Challenge ME Weekly Journal Assignment

This week, write down every decision that is on your mind. After you write, mediate upon one of the scriptures above and pray the Word of God over your circumstances. Seek God’s face. Let him direct you to the right place. Operate in and under His grace so that you properly run your race – not just doing the things you can do, but also doing that which you are called to do.