ARE MY GOALS TOO AMBITIOUS?
That’s a question I’ve been asking God for the last few months, and I finally received an answer.
Back in June, I took a leap of faith and quit my “dream” job with nothing lined up. It was my first time ever doing something like that—and to be honest, the past six months have been full of highs and lows. But through it all, I’ve become stronger each month, and my relationship with God has grown deeper than ever before. When I tell you he hasn’t failed to provide— phew, testimony for days, y’all!!
Anyway, during this time of unemployment (or “personal sabbatical,” as I like to call it), God has stripped away the things I once believed brought me happiness and worth—money, friends, social busyness, shopping, travel, and career titles. In their place, He has given me His word, blind faith, a lot of time alone, a church home, promises, breakthroughs, and the unconditional support of my loved ones.
This period of pruning has given me the space to deeply reflect on who I am and what truly matters. I've spent invaluable time healing old wounds and reconnecting with my family. The unlimited time with them has allowed me to learn about their history, embrace their love and support, and—my favorite part—truly get to know my dad for the first time. My relationship with him has given me a renewed sense of purpose and in turn has profoundly shaped how I view myself, my priorities, and my goals for the next 5 to 10 years. Between my family and my faith, for the first time in 33 years, I genuinely feel that my identity is complete.
But with this newfound sense of identity and purpose has come new, bigger goals—goals that have made me ask God, “Are these dreams too big? Am I being delusional in pursuing this?”
It’s easy to doubt yourself when you don’t see examples of how it could possibly work out. It’s especially tough when your current situation doesn’t align with those dreams (like wanting to buy a $300,000 beachfront apartment when you’ve only got like $20 in your bank account, LMAO!). However those doubts shifted when I read 1 Samuel in the Bible.
In the middle of an impossible battle, Jonathan decided to step up and face the Philistines even though the odds were stacked against him. His dad, King Saul, had basically chickened out and Jonathan’s army was outnumbered and under-equipped. But despite all of that, Jonathan courageously believed and said to his comrades, “Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing Can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” 1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan’s blind faith in God led him to move forward and take action. His bravery inspired the rest of his small army to follow his lead, and guess what guys, they won the battle!!!!
Jonathan’s victory reminds me that sometimes we’re called to do big things with nothing but unwavering belief, and along the way, God will provide the necessary steps.
Whether you’re thinking about stepping into a leadership role, moving to a new city, starting a business, going back to school at your “big age”, or forgiving someone—don’t let fear or the absence of visible examples hold you back from your purpose. Sometimes, we are meant to be the first to do something— why do you think so many of us are called first-generation? * wink-wink * :)
I encourage you to read this article on the meaning of Jonathan’s story. I hope it encourages you the way it affirmed me.
Trust God in your pursuit. You are worthy of it all.
Cheers,
MR
WHAT I’M UP TO
BOOKS I’VE READ RECENTLY:
Gift of Rejection — REALLLYYY loved this one.
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue — reading this one for fun!
RESTAURANTS & EVENTS I ENJOYED:
Metropolis by Marcus Samuelson— this sexy restaurant in Tribeca was super cute and delicious. You have to try their savory cornbread (we ordered twice!) and the lobster Mac & cheese. Plus, the co-chefs are Brazilian and Ethiopian!
Nets game— your reminder to break your weekday routine by grabbing tickets to a sports game with your friends for fun!
PROMPTS I’VE BEEN JOURNALING:
What would it look like if I fully surrendered?
Who or what is holding me back from taking a leap of faith?
If God were to strip me from ____ in what ways could I grow?
I’M ON YOUTUBE!
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