What’s holding me back? When I develop a plan to create or launch something, an emergency,illness, or challenging relationship inevitably needs attention—another sorrow or obstacle in the way, interrupting my concentration and stealing my focus.
How can I succeed in my endeavors? If I wait for things to go smoothly to release the life-giving ideas God is putting in my heart, I will be waylaid by life’s issues over and over. I put them off when my husband had a stroke. After his health improved, he was diagnosed with cancer, and I tended to his needs. Early on, I delayed my dreams because my first husband was ill and receiving dialysis treatments. After being widowed, while I had four children to raise, I tried again, and had enough success to keep me reaching out to express what God had put inside of me.
I am now realizing that I should embrace the issues and the sorrows in life because it is from these that joy and success are birthed. I decided that I won’t wait! I will embrace joy and success while in the midst of life’s challenges. And this is a message for all Christian writers, speakers, and leaders. Do it in the midst!
● Faith in the Joyful Foundation
Start with the foundation of joy rooted in faith. Recognize that joy is not the absence of sorrow, but the presence of God’s grace in every circumstance. Let your writing, speaking, and leadership be an outpouring of the joy that stems from a deep connection with Jesus.
● Success in Surrender
Success, in the Christian context, is often found in surrender. When faced with obstacles,surrendering to God’s plan allows us to experience transformative growth. Your words and actions can inspire others to succeed, not in the absence of challenges but in the strength we discover through faith in adversity.
● Authenticity in the Struggle
Share your struggles authentically. Transparency creates a space for others to connect with your journey. The Christian walk is not exempt from challenges, and acknowledging this truth fosters a community that supports, uplifts, and prays for one another. I once worked with a coach whom I was attracted to because her husband had a condition that required dialysis treatments as my husband had.
● Success Redefined
Challenge the conventional definition of success. In God’s eyes, success may not always align with the world’s standards. True success lies in obedience to His calling, and your creativity becomes a vessel for His message, regardless of worldly measures.
● Joy in the Journey
Celebrate the journey, not just the destination. Life is a pilgrimage, and each obstacle is a steppingstone toward spiritual maturity. Infuse your work with the joy found in the growth process, knowing that every word written, spoken, or led with love contributes to God’s greater purpose.
● Connection with Others
I have found it helpful to journey with other like-minded women who are growing in their calling. The Speak Up Growth Group has been a huge blessing when I’ve felt overwhelmed by life’s demands. More experienced Christian women in leadership who have become friends have helped me navigate when I considered giving up. Monthly focused topics and group
discussions kept me accountable and on task.
● Empathy in Leadership:
Leadership is not immune to sorrow but can be a powerful force for compassion. As you lead, cultivate empathy and understanding. Your ability to empathize with the struggles of others amplifies the impact of your message, fostering a community of believers who uplift each other.
Embrace the Divine Paradox.
As writers, speakers, and leaders, your journey can display the beautiful dance between joy and sorrow, success and obstacles. Within this tension, your message resonates most profoundly in the Christian community and beyond, so keep inspiring others to find joy and success in the arms of a loving Creator regardless of life challenges.
“In the hands of a loving God, sorrow and suffering become the doorways into the greatest and most indestructible joys.” – David Powlison
Question: Have you ever found yourself paralyzed by problems and unable to move forward in your ministry? Please share how you overcame the situation or share your prayer request if you need strength in the midst of a current challenge.
About Karen Scales
Karen Scales, of Wisdom Speaks Now, is a speaker, writer, mentor, and podcast guest with a heart for women. She desires to help women bring out the best that God has deposited in them so they can live fruitful lives they love. She firmly believes every woman has untapped potential to uncover, and her message to them is simple and powerful. She is the author of There is More: You’re Not Done Yet. To connect with Karen, go to www.karenscales.com.
This message was so needed & encouraging! The thought that obstacles often bring us to abandon our mission, our call from Father God; Instead the obstacles shed new light on our message. It adds power to already powerful truths.
Thank you 🙏
Jeanie Connell
Thank you Jeanie 🙂 We spur each other on with encouragement to do the God given work ❤
Thank you for encouraging us to stay the path!
Many blessings to you Eugenia, for your encouragement to me❣
Thank you! This is so encouraging & timely. It’s so true! I have people in my life who listen &, even if there are no clear solutions or big ideas, remind that YES, it is hard *and* YES, I can’t give up on myself. I’ve gotta keep stepping towards a goal… it may be a resized goal & itty bitty baby steps, but it’s still forward motion. It feels pointless at first but gradually it grounds me in the truth that even if things are falling apart, it’s not over. I’m still in an unfolding story! 🙂 So often it’s right there “in the midst” both the practical solutions & unexpected opportunites emerge.
I needed to hear this today! Thank you so much!
This is such a powerful piece from Karen Scales. I can identify with it on so many levels. It is just what I need!