Pleasing others used to be my daily practice. Making decisions based on what others thought of me or only doing what I thought others expected of me was a habit I found difficult to break. Over time I eventually realized I valued others’ opinions more than I appreciated my own. I recognized that I often settled for the promises of people and refused the still small voice of God to trust Him more. The day I came face to face with this truth marked a pivotal moment in my life. The moment awakened a sense of numb wings softly fluttering on the inside of me. They were waiting on my permission to be freed from their caged dwelling. By my own doing, I could deny myself life, or I could speak life. I could continue to trap and suppress my calling, or I could give way to my calling, allowing it to take flight and whisk me on a journey of faith that proves God, not to be a liar, but a promise keeper in ways that are inconceivable to people. Thankfully, I chose to speak life, permitted my wings to fly, and gave way to God’s calling.

Staying in communion with God alerts us to our callings, as well as to the people and places we are ordained to encounter, learn from, and influence. God develops discernment within us for His purposes, and He prepares us with life experiences and tools for what lies ahead. A willing servant of God is committed to the journey God lays out, concerned with winning His approval alone. Lean into God, take flight, and do God’s bidding to make Him smile!

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10