A lot of times we are waiting for “someday when…” But our someday is NOW.
I remember sitting and having a meal with Steve and Sharon Kelly, two amazing mentors and friends as well as the pastors of Wave Church in Virginia Beach. Over my grilled salmon, I poured my heart out, not to mention all my insecurities in regards to what I felt God had asked me to do in launching She is Free here in NYC. After I was done verbally processing all my emotions and fears, Steve very seriously looked me in the eyes and asked,
“Andi, how old are you?”
To which I said “35. Why do you ask?”
Steve’s reply hit me between the eyes and deep within my heart when he said, “So when are you going to grow up?”
Well ouch, and thank you.
I had allowed fear and insecurity to rule my thoughts, actions and belief in myself and I found it hard to take myself seriously or even back myself. I had gotten in my own way and saw myself as less than everyone else around me – comparison truly is a killer.
Not too many months later did my husband say to me, “It’s like you’re a sheriff, and you’ve willingly handed over your badge and weapons. But it’s time to take them back and step into your authority.” He started to pray over me and as he did, I felt God say to me in all my inadequacy and insecurity, “I have confidence in you.” The floodgates were opened. To hear those words from my Father and Creator even when I didn’t have confidence in myself deeply changed me.
You see, He has confidence in you even when you don’t. Your inadequacy, fear, insecurity, pain, rejection, fill in the blank, does not phase Him! Jesus died to connect with you and step into those moments, look you in the eyes and say “You’ve got this, because I’ve got you.”
Steve and my husband’s words over me brought me to a turning point. I was 35 people, 35! And I wasn’t getting any younger! It’s like I was waiting for someone to give me permission to step into my dreams and destiny, but God already had. So what was I waiting for? What are you waiting for?
Sometimes I’m so aware that I need to number my days, take each breath with gratitude and not waste a single moment.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 NIV
What has God put in your hand today? What dreams are you “pregnant with” that you’re afraid to give birth to because of the responsibility that comes with it? What can you do to make a difference in your world right now, whether it’s spectacular or seemingly mundane? When’s the last time you slowed down enough to look your child in the eyes, leave your house a hot mess and play hide and go seek? What have you been dreaming about doing but are too scared to take the first step towards? What’s on your bucket list that you could put into motion after you’re done reading this? Maybe you’ve felt for a long time you’re supposed to start writing but don’t feel like you’re good enough? What do you need to put in order or purge to make room for more?
You have permission to SHINE, to be SPECTACULAR. You get to be POWERFUL.
So… What are you waiting for? Stop waiting for “someday when.” Stop waiting for permission because your time is NOW. Back yourself. God has confidence in you because He is holding you. The world needs who you are and what you have to give to complete the big beautiful picture God is painting throughout time and eternity. History is His story, so what will the chapters with your name strewn across their breathtaking pages look like?