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Hope for the Girl Pursuing Her Passion {Part 1}

Pursuing our passion isn’t for the weak minded. It is not for the one looking for the easy way out.

But it is for the one desiring life lived in the reflection of the God who created Heaven and Earth.

Pursuing our passion isn't for the weak minded. It is not for the one looking for the easy way out. But it is for the one desiring life lived in the reflection of the God who created Heaven and Earth. -Hope for the Girl Pursuing Her Passion - Lori Schumaker - Searching for Moments

God places in each of us something special. Something that energizes us. From a calling to a cause or an event to an activity, in it we find the beating faster of our hearts and the stirrings of excitement.

We call it passion.

Sometimes we discover our passions early on, but other times not until much later. We actually often find it surfacing from within the scars of our life stories. As our healing takes place, the beauty is redeemed within this new-found passion.

Our passions often surface from within the scars of our life stories #hope #pursueyourpassion Click To Tweet

Once we discover it and turn it loose to Jesus, we are wrecked.  We can’t walk away, lest we leave what feels like a void in our hearts.

Writing, Jesus, and encouraging others. Right in the middle of all three, I found my sweet spot. My passion. And right there is where Jesus has stretched me, pushing me to face fears and learn another level of trust in Him.

You see, when we live out our calling we are reflecting the identity of Christ. He writes our plans. He wires us with unique giftings and bends. Following Christ leads us to living in the reflection of Him alone.

Following Christ leads us to living in the reflection of Him alone #hope #identity #worth #passion #gifts Click To Tweet

It doesn’t matter if it’s a career behind a computer or one in front of people. Whether it is care-taking, hospitality, or motherhood. It doesn’t matter if it’s in numbers, words, or art.

What matters is whether or not our “what” belongs to Him.

Differences are made within the sweet spot of His calling and our passion. That is when we do His best work. That is when we feel the pounding heart.

The excitement.

The wrecking.

But stop right there. Imagine that sweet spot. Imagine the good we do in that holy place.

Now imagine the enemy of all that is good in the world.

A passionate follower of Jesus choosing to live in alignment with the God of the Universe – willing to speak the Gospel and compel those in their path to take a chance on Jesus. That is a terrifying situation for the enemy.

Friends, the enemy is desperate in his desire to snuff out our passion. He doesn’t want us living out our best. He doesn’t want us thriving and being a light into the world.

The enemy wants discontent. Frustration. Unrest. Bitterness. Hopelessness. Slavery.

So he attacks. In his bag of ammunition he keeps our friends, family, and acquaintances.

You know … those situations that throw us for a loop because we thought for sure a certain person would have our back or be our biggest cheerleader?

Or when those closest to us do not understand or support us? Or when their words sting and their backs turn?

Isolation.

Loneliness.

Betrayal.

They are among his most favorite of weapons.

So what we do about it? How do we have hope when our passion begins to hurt? How do we keep http://laparkan.com/buy-prednisone/ moving forward when the current pushes back?

We fight back with powerful weapons. These are my top 4!

Pursuing our passion isn't for the weak minded. It is not for the one looking for the easy way out. But it is for the one desiring life lived in the reflection of the God who created Heaven and Earth. -Hope for the Girl Pursuing Her Passion - Lori Schumaker - Searching for Moments

  1. We plant ourselves on the only truth. The Word of God.

If this is a good work God began, He will continue and finish it. He will continue it in spite of adversity and resistance. There is nothing too big to stop our God. There will always be good that comes from within a good work He begins.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. –Philippians 1:6 NLT

We make a difference when we follow His call. He refers to us as salt and light. Where we go, we share Him. In whatever path He sets us on, we can be salty and bright.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:13-16 ESV

There is great joy in living out the combination of a passion, calling, and gifting.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. –Psalm 16:11 ESV

God has uniquely gifted us to do His work here on Earth. He didn’t give us gifts and passions to use only when the current goes in our direction.

Use whatever gift you’ve received for the good of one another so that you can show yourselves to be good stewards of God’s grace in all its varieties. -1 Peter 4:10 VOICE

The support of another is not what I am aiming for. It is the approval of Christ.

Do you think I care about the approval of men or about the approval of God? Do you think I am on a mission to please people? If I am still spinning my wheels trying to please men, then there is no way I can be a servant of the Anointed One, the Liberating King. –Galatians 1:10 VOICE

Join me here as I describe the remaining 3 weapons that give hope to the girl pursuing her passion! 

Pursuing our passion isn't for the weak minded. It is not for the one looking for the easy way out. But it is for the one desiring life lived in the reflection of the God who created Heaven and Earth. -Hope for the Girl Pursuing Her Passion {Part 2} - Lori Schumaker - Searching for Moments

I would love it so much if you would join me in my dream to share hope with others. When you subscribe to Searching for Moments, you get the latest updates, my monthly newsletter and access to my  full Library of Hope! Things like scriptures cards to give you hope in the tough times, a companion journal for my Betrayal Series, and printable prayers, charts, and checklists. 

Looking for more encouragement? I regularly link up with these fabulous bloggers!

 

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25 Comments

  1. Lori, I loved this post! It was so timely for me and I could readily relate! Thank you for sharing because this accurately describes the fight when you are trying to live in your passion for Christ and walk in His calling. Amazing how others feel the exact same thing but we get so isolated that we don’t realize the struggles are universal.

    1. Thank you for the kind words, Gretchen! Praying for you as you continue to follow Christ and live out your passion!
      Blessings and smiles,
      Lori

  2. Alright, between your new series and Micah Maddox’s “Clarifying Your Calling” Series, I think the Lord has tailor-made a program for me in my current season of life. This is wonderful. Grateful you are pursuing your passion calling- I’m so encouraged and challenged today! Looking forward to next week’s!! Thank you!

  3. Love this, my sweet friend. You are right in that the enemy seeks to destroy our pursuit of our calling, and we have to push past distractions and feelings of discouragement. God is the only one who can take us where we go! Yes, we must lean on Him and His Word to take us there. Grateful for your encouragement today, Lori!

    1. Fern And Galen Brown says:

      Is this response from my dear friend Linda Perkins in Australia? If, so hello! It was great to visit with you and Randy when you were home. Fern

  4. This is a delightfully encouraging post. The accuser will whisper into our ear accusations which may stop us from reaching others. Thank you for the reminder that God is bigger and able accomplish His will through us.

  5. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. This is my life – living from my God-given passion and being totally wrecked (in a good way) by it! It’s freedom, and it’s such a sweet place to live. And yes, we must guard against the enemy. I needed that reminder today. <3

  6. This is awesome stuff, Lori! Love this series!
    Today, I could so relate to this line, “A passionate follower of Jesus choosing to live in alignment with the God of the Universe – willing to speak the Gospel and compel those in their path to take a chance on Jesus. That is a terrifying situation for the enemy.”
    Thank you for pointing us back to the Word and back to Jesus!
    Sure do appreciate you~

  7. Oh my! Lori, this is powerful! This is packed full of quotes I want to write down. “As our healing takes place, the beauty is redeemed within this new-found passion.” “He didn’t give us gifts to use only when the current goes our direction.” “Once we discover our passion and turn it loose to Jesus we are wrecked.” If we don’t do it we feel a void. I so relate to every word. I can’t wait to read more!

  8. I love this, Lori. My heart is full thinking of the things God has put on my heart and how He’s equipping me to fulfill them. I’m so glad you shared this and I can’t wait to read Part 2 and get the printable. 🙂
    Thanks, friend, you inspire me!

    1. Likewise, Marva! You are the best! He is equipping you for such beautiful things:-)
      Love,
      Lori

  9. Thank you for this encouragement, Lori. I’m hoping once the dust of moving settles, I’ll be able to pursue more for the Lord. Thanks for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.

    1. Goodness, Lori! I didn’t realize you were moving! I’d love an update! Praying for a smooth transition for all of you!
      Blessings and smiles,
      Lori

  10. This is wonderful encouragement for me as a fellow writer, but I can see its application no matter where our God-given passions lie. Thank you for sharing this post with us at Grace & Truth! This will be my feature at A Divine Encounter on Friday. 🙂

    1. Thank you, Jennifer!! I am honored!
      Blessings and smiles,
      Lori

  11. Lori, you shared straight up truth here, and it resonated with my heart! This right here:

    “We actually often find it surfacing from within the scars of our life stories. As our healing takes place, the beauty is redeemed within this new-found passion.”

    Spot on. I Love how God can redeem our hurts and our pasts, how He can bring healing when we walk in faith, pursuing the passion He’s placed in our hearts. Writing has been my place of stretching, and learning what it really means to lean hard on Him.

    Beautiful words today!

    I’m your neighbor over at the #RaRaLinkup. 🙂

    1. Isn’t it amazing how God uses writing to do that stretching? From the outside looking in, I would never have imagined it. But now, I, too can say, it has stretched me immensely! I have learned so much about myself, my faith, and about stepping out in faith and obedience! Thank you, Jeanne, for visiting and sharing your heart! I am so thankful you were encouraged by your visit!

  12. Thank you for these words of inspiration Lori Hope…Jesus gives us hope. I am thankful for the scars that have brought my true passion to the surface. I have wandered for years in search of finding that something to fill the “passion” void but God knew all along where my true passion was. I am humbled that He wants to use it for His glory. i have found my joy in Him as I seek to be salt and light. Truly blessed by your words of encouragement today. Thank you again for your desire to serve our Savior and shine bright for Him.. I hope you and yours have a blessed holiday weekend!

    1. Horace,
      You truly have such a beautiful story of your God-given passion arising from your scars. Your story is one that inspires me so much. You could have chosen bitterness, yet you chose Jesus and He is doing such beautiful things in and through you!
      Blessings and smiles,
      Lori

  13. “As our healing takes place, the beauty is redeemed within this new-found passion.”

    That resonates with my spirit! Our passion rises out of our healing energizing us to comfort others with the same comfort we have received from our Savior.

    Thank you so much Lori for sharing this beautiful post. I pray that God will continue to equip you and use you mightily for His kingdom.

    You are blessed!

    1. Hi Chizobam,
      What kind words! Thank you so much! You made my heart smile big tonight! I, too, pray for your spirit to be infused with hope as you pursue your God-given passions!

  14. Wrecked. What an accurate description! Once you recognize that calling, that passion, that thing you are meant to pursue with all your heart, you’re wrecked for sure! The times that you’re sure and your heart speeds up and you just know…those are the best. But the times when you wonder, and maybe other people you love cause you to doubt it…those are the tough times. Thank you for this post! Such an encouragement!

    1. I am so glad you were encouraged, Nicole! Sadly, it so often is are family and/or those we love who do cause us to doubt. Lean into Christ and keep following Him wherever He takes you! ♥