The Leap.
Blog, I have missed you! So, I come with exciting news!
I had fulfilled my position and was growing weary. I felt that I had reached a dead end and accepted that it was time to move forward in my career. The last few weeks at my previous job were becoming increasingly stressful. I could hear a clock ticking. I felt the pressure rising. I cycled through the motions, neglecting what my spirit needed. I had strayed from taking care of essential areas of my life. Something had to give soon. My cup was empty.
After praying and praying over this particular area in my life, I realized that maybe no answer was my answer. I forget that seeking God for help results in his omniscient methodologies rather than simple-minded, Madison-like quick fixes.
It was time to take a leap of faith.
I wanted to break down the walls of being logical and reasonable and do something spiritual. I realized something obvious; I was created to be Madison and live as Madison. I was NOT designed to live for my peers, and it is not my responsibility to fit into the box others have placed me in. It is no wonder society faces such high rates of anxiety and depression; we live to fulfill impossible expectations! I decided to take the plunge by transitioning my part-time content writing for clients into a full-time gig. I was excited to see what God would do with this risk. It required me to put all my hope and faith where it should have always been; Him. He (of course) delivered.
"Woman, your faith is great. Let it be done for you as you desire" (Matthew 15:28).
Not even three weeks after resigning, I was presented with an offer from an organization that was a dream job! There is no explanation other than God. Every aspect of the opportunity has God's glorious name written all over it! The weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. The air is crisper, and mornings are brighter! I have peace that makes no sense. God did more than answer my prayers. He created something beautiful for me that allows me to use my love for marketing and content creation, and I can't wait to let Him shine through in my new role!
My Bible study group discussed what it looks like when we reach spiritual freedom. "Miracles follow obedience, movement, testing, and much discomfort" (Celeste Gonzales, 2022). We face tests and frustrations that bring us inches away from a breakdown detrimental to our breakthrough. In our efforts to be bold in our faith, we believe we are underqualified and undeserving. These lies deter us from walking in the purpose God instilled in us. Stepping out in faith is a magnificent way to capture glimpses of God's glory everywhere.
Around this time, I also began a fun way to keep up with scripture. I put every name of the sixty-six books in the Bible into the lovely wheel-spinner website and dove right in! The book I began reading was Jeremiah. Jeremiah speaks of God warning His people to turn back to Him and leave behind the false idols and gods they began worshipping. He tells His people that He will restore them if they return to Him and stop defiling themselves. Jeremiah is a prophetic story of warnings and, ultimately, hope. God remained the same as the one we know and love today, "a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin" (Exodus 34: 6). This verse and its context can be intimidating as it communicates our Lord's righteousness. It also reminds us of God's great integrity. He upholds His word and standard for His people even when we succumb to sin's temptation.
While on the topic of Jeremiah, 2:27-28 hurt my heart.
"For they have turned their back to me and not their face, yet in their time of disaster they beg, 'rise up and save us'. But where are your gods you made for yourself? Let them rise up and save you in your time of disaster if they can…."
I am guilty of sprinting to God when times are tough while forgetting to invite him into the success and joy I experience because of Him. And when the things I unintentionally worship can't save me – I run right back to our Lord like a foolish hypocrite. I am grateful for God's unfailing love that I can never hide from, no matter the shame or guilt the enemy tries to speak unto my peace. I might struggle with keeping my word, but our God never fails to breathe life into me through His.
I'm ecstatic about a new beginning, more growth, career advancements, connections, and a structured, secure environment that gives me enough freedom to be creative and expressive. I'm excited to do something I am falling in love with for work. Most importantly, I am grateful that God had my best interest in mind throughout this life change. "The person who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed" (Jeremiah 17:7). I couldn't wait to tell everyone about what God had achieved! He deserves all the glory and praise! I boast not about career moves but about knowing God and His gift of making "all things beautiful in its own time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Everything is for a greater purpose, for God's plan.
"For I know the plans I have for you – plans for your well-being, not for your disaster, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).
Let's not say to abandon all responsibilities recklessly - but have more faith in the spiritually challenging areas! These spaces are where God thrives and builds something extraordinary! This area of discomfort is also where the enemy likes to sneak in and manipulate us into shrinking into our anxiety, nervousness, and doubt. Release control and remember that God already has a plan in place.
In a blink of an eye, something I prayed over became my reality. It didn't happen overnight or follow enormous confidence and certainty. Still, I am better off because of the obedience, movement, testing, and discomfort I experienced. I took a step (or two) out of my calculated comfort zone with a heart full of faith and room to let our Lord do what He does best, and He was on time with yet another blessing.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you. Again I will build you so that you will be rebuilt...." (Jeremiah 31-3:4).
God invites us to join an intimate relationship with Him. The Lord values a relationship with us so much that He continues to save us from self-destruction, so we can experience His grace when we walk alongside Him. We have Him stamped onto our hearts. Nothing can keep us far from God's goodness, which makes us radiant with joy (Jeremiah 31:12).
References
Gonzales, C. (2022). Chapter 2. In You Are Not Who You Think You Are (pp. 43–44). The Redefining LLC.
Myers, R., & Williams, A. (2017). She Reads Truth Bible: Christian Standard. Holman Bible Publishers.
