are you frustrated with the journey?

When I think back to four years ago, I remember the frustrating days wondering what was next on my journey. The thoughts of where I was headed and why nothing seemed clear were most aggravating. Have you been there?

I was teaching full time at church, leading women’s ministry, and speaking around the country. I knew I was right where God had called me, but there was this frustrating angst within my soul. Something that said God was calling me to more.

I remember the frustrating days praying and trying to figure out this mystery. The questions and doubts within my soul were plaguing.

Staying faithful to the journey, God begin to unfold the mystery piece by piece. A move to work on the inner city began to take shape.

What has God placed within your soul?

That yearning and stirring for God-purpose, you feel it. You live for it. But for right here and right now, that divine purpose has you questioning where you are and what you are doing. Maybe you aren’t even sure you are hearing correctly.

You wake up and your big purpose pounds deeply within your chest. You long for it. You pray for it. You want it to come to pass now. Right now!

The journey begins to seem so long, threatening, and even complicated. But that unique passion keeps you striving and moving, as you wonder if all the activity is even moving you in the right direction. And you wonder why God seems so silent and mysterious.

Frustrations along the journey are common.

If this is you, I encourage you to hang on. You must keep pursuing that purpose that consumes you. Even when it feels like it is all for nothing. Keep going.

God uses the frustrations along your path to stretch your leadership and character. He uses each day to mold you into the person he needs you to be to stand tall when you arrive at the final destination He has prepared for you.

Live free not frustrated.

When you rest in the journey, you can move about freely. [tweet that]

You will be able to live in an unforced rhythm of grace knowing each frustrating step is purposeful for growth and development.

With your destination and purpose firmly fixed in your heart and soul, it’s time to live today trusting God with the process. Trust Him so that you know today is an essential path for the place He is calling you.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28 MSG

Many were frustrated, but kept going.

If you’d like some help knowing that you are not alone on this journey of maneuvering where God is calling you, read these books.

1. Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker — through Jen’s authentic and raw record of how God got her attention, as well as her hubby’s, you will find yourself. Wresting hard questions and being wrecked by God’s answers.

2. Anything by Jennie Allen — Jennie tells of the frustrating journey that lead her and her husband to the point where they had nothing left to do but pray. And their prayer, “God, we will do anything,” changed their lives.

3. The In-Between by Jeff Goins — Jeff documents his journey and all the frustrating times he had to wait and discern what was next. Jeff gives wise counsel to those who are struggling with the wait and frustrations along their journey.

Be honest. Are you frustrated and wondering why all the delay? Do you have a suggestion to help others live an unforced rhythm of grace as they wait?

Join me over at Laura’s and Holley’s.