Step 1: Where Should I Be Building A Bridge?
We got lost...
Recently my husband, Eric, and I were trying to find a particular bike trail. We had located it on the map, but when we got to the spot we were under the trail and couldn't get on it from there. (see the right side of the photo)
I was astounded at the enormity of the structure of the tresses. ! I had no idea how much it took to build that particular bridge even though I had ridden over it before.
Some bridges are like that, but I"m getting ahead of myself. (More on this later.)
Before this bridge was built. Way back in the beginning. Someone had a dream.
They said those oh-so-valuable words...
"What if?"
No bridge is ever built without this step!
No hurt is ever healed. No project is ever completed. No lies are ever removed. No decisions are ever made.
No progress is even possible without choosing a goal!
Where would you like to go?
- Is there a relationship you would like to build?
- How about a recurring lie that you would like to stop affecting your life?
- Have you been considering a project?
- Do you have a decision you need to make?
- Is there a habit you would like to break? Or one you would like to start?
Whatever you are feeling prompted to do - you have two options.
1- You can keep wondering about it and putting it off.
2- You can pursue it and see what happens.
If you choose option #1 you risk building a habit of putting off promptings. This is dangerous because you risk not hearing well the next time you are prompted AND you miss out on what you could have done if you had listened.
I can hear you now. "But Cindy, how can I know if my prompting is from God or just me?" Good coaching can help you learn to discern, but I'll pass on this little gem from my coaching mentor, Tony Stolzfus. Ask yourself these questions - Is what you are considering unbiblical? If the answer is "no" you can give it a go and see where it goes.
Granted, there are other factors in play. You should not follow every idea you have (some of us are loaded with ideas) but if you never follow any leads you will never learn to discern.
This brings us to option #2.
Deciding to pursue a dream doesn't necessarily mean it will result in success, but you will never know unless you try AND you can learn something no matter what the outcome is.
I've tried plenty of things that didn't turn out like I thought and I have learned plenty of things because I tried them. Want some examples?
- I offered a personality-type workshop and had to cancel because no one registered. God used it for good when I was asked to lead a personality-type workshop I already had one prepared. (I've used it many times since then.)
- I tried to mend a broken relationship. It is still strained, but I am not stuck wondering if I should do something. I have given it my best go from my side and am not in angst now.
- It took me years to complete the dating book and while I am proud of this accomplishment, if I am honest I am just glad it is over. I think it was a good lesson in perseverance and laid a foundation for the pendulum book I am working on now.
- I have made decisions that cost me hours of investment, that didn't lead to the outcomes I hoped for, but they were really good research on what not to do.
Jeremiah 17:10 says,
But I, the Lord, look into a person’s heart and test the mind. So I can decide what each one deserves; I can give each one the right payment for what he does.
What will God see when He looks into your heart?
Fear can keep you from forward movement.
Doubt can keep you from even trying.
But what is God prompting you to build a bridge toward?
If you really aren't sure try the Wheel of LIfe tool in the Traction book or walk through the self-guided personal workshop LIfe On Purpose! Both would truly assist you in forward movement!
Recognition is the first step on the Coaching ROAD! You'll never get "there" if you don't know where that is!
Enjoy the journey!
Want More?
Check out: Four "If's" to clarify your plotline