Quitting isn’t an option: 3 strategies to help you stay committed to your purpose
I was going to quit.
Two years ago. One year ago.
Every October, it seems I found myself here-contemplating walking away from writing, walking away from blogging, walking away from my calling. Fear would begin to bubble up in my heart. Doubt would creep into my mind.
What was I doing? Who was I?
Every insecurity I had about myself would come flooding to the top bringing all sorts of reasons I should walk away.
All the reasons except one—God.
Who I am, my story, my voice, and my gifts are a testimony of God’s redeeming love. He has restored me, redeemed me, healed me, and loves me.
Here were are again—October. We are celebrating our two-year blogaversary with you. (Cue exciting squeals) Can I tell you something friend? I am so excited to say this year was different.
Every year I thought about quitting because I allowed the voice of fear to be louder than the voice of God. I wanted to run away when God was calling me to run to Him. I allowed myself to be overwhelmed by my insecurities instead of being overwhelmed by His grace.
A part of continuing my assignment from God in this season is hearing His voice and holding on to His truth.
Instead of the reoccurring doubts, I am moving forward with a renewed resolve. A resolve to dig deeper. A resolve to live surrendered. A resolve to continue to be used by God.
Do you doubt your place today? Are you considering walking away from your kingdom assignment? Is fear whispering in your ear:
Who are you to lead your family?
Who are you to start the business?
Who are you to go back to school?
Who are you to be a momma to those precious little lives?
Who are you to get help?
Who are you?
If you said yes, you are not alone. Oh, I am quite familiar with the voice of the accuser who wants to trap us in the web of his lies, to bind our hearts to our fears, and hinder us from fully walking in our identity and purpose in Christ. I know the fear of feeling like an imposter, feeling underqualified, and feeling unworthy.
But friend, our fears are not truth.
How do we overcome fear so we can walk in bold faith? How do we ignore the lies to hear God’s voice of truth?
Know God’s truth
Knowing God’s word for myself is the only way I can identify the difference between who God says I am and the lies of the enemy. So when fear starts to creep in, I go to His word. I write Bible verses on my bathroom mirror, on sticky notes in my office, and work on memorizing scriptures.
Some of the scriptures that encourage me in those moments are:
- “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
- “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
- “Fix your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 MSG
- “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ, Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NLT
Show up
One way I walk away from fear is choosing to show up to what God has called me to do anyway. Even when I am insecure, I write anyway. Even when I don’t know how it is going to work out, I do the work anyway. Even when I doubt if I am doing things “right,” I take the next step anyway. Fear cannot be the determining factor when I make my decisions.
Instead, rely on the Holy Spirit. Knowing when God has released you or redirected you are entirely different from walking away because of doubt and fear. When we listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, there is peace, even in the middle of hard decisions. Making decisions out of fear always leaves us experiencing stress, anxiety, just an overall yuckiness. So friend, choose to show up.
Show up because God is with you.
- “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Show up because God has given you grace for today.
- “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness,” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.” Corinthians 12:9 NLT
Show up because God has given you the strength you need to do the work He has assigned to your hands.
- “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him!” Exodus 15:2
Show up!
Remember it’s all about Christ
Fear can creep in when I make God’s assignment about ME. Ouch! I know that sounds a little hard, but it’s true. Anytime I focus on sustaining my assignment in my strength, focus on letting people down, focus on what I might lose, or focus on my mistakes; fear always finds a way into my heart.
Keeping my focus on Christ changes everything. Letting my thoughts, my motives, and my actions be led by Christ doesn’t allow room for fear. Instead, my heart fills with praise, gratitude, and hope. When I follow God’s intricate plan for my life, I can trust He has worked everything for my good. Less me—More Him.
- “Summing it all up friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your mind and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful not the ugh; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you have learned from me, what you heard, and saw and realized. Do that, and God who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:9 MSG
- “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.” Proverbs 28:26
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Let’s both decide to put fear aside and continue to say “yes” to God. Decide today to hold fast to His word, to show up, and keep God the main focus.
Now I wanna hear from you. What would you like to see moving forward this next year? Drop your ideas below.
I am so excited about celebrating this next year and grateful you are joining me along the journey. You will continue to see more topics on marriage, motherhood, and military life (+anything else God drops in my heart to share).
Let’s do this,
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Coffeeeandcream
I love this, it’s so important to keep God at the centre of your life 😊 I’m trying to restart this blog again properly but really need to figure out how to keep consistent!
Angel | Mommy-ing Differently
All I can say is I needed this.
Renee Theresa
This is extremely relevant to me right now and very helpful! Thank you
Beth
I needed this today more than you know! Congratulations on your 2 year blogaversary (?) and thank you for not quitting!
brighamknowsbest
Such a positive post! Don’t quiet writing, your great at it!!
Yaa Attobrah
What a great reminder! I hope through these moments of fear too; to give up or to continue. God is faithful and he equips us to keep soldiering on. Thank you!
Aubri
As someone who just started blogging, I needed to hear this! It’s so easy to let fear and doubt creep in! Thank you for the message of perseverance.
Wendy @ One Exceptional Life
Happy Blogaversary, Mamie! Keeping God in the center of our lives keeps us focused and strong. I’m so thankful for my Savior who shows up even when we don’t want to. He’s there, He’s wise and He knows what’s best for us. We just have to listen to Him.
Mamie L. Pack
Wendy @ One Exceptional LifeOh, thank you Wendy! When I focus on Him, fear flees.
cleanlivingwithkidssa
This is exactly the message I needed to hear today. Thank you for reminding me that it is God’s mission for me, not my own.
Mamie L. Pack
cleanlivingwithkidssaAbsolutely! I have to remind myself too.
Jenny
Great tips. We all know at some point we want to give up. This is very helpful.
Aubrey
I needed this 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Elizabeth
This is such a great motivational post! God is really the reason we can do anything and I think a lot of people take that for granted. He wants us to follow our dreams and do something special with our lives. We just need to not quit!
Mamie L. Pack
ElizabethExactly Elizabeth. We still are responsible for doing our part.
desireesavarese
Thank you for this post! It was needed, pinning for reference later!
Mamie L. Pack
desireesavareseThanks for sharing!
Kimberlie
You hit the nail on the head. When you operate based on what you’ve been called to do by Hos, it will all work out. Thank you for this positive and inspirational reminder.
Mamie L. Pack
KimberlieThanks Kimberlie!
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Megan Beaver
Such a powerful reminder why we must keep going when we want to quit.
Mamie L. Pack
Megan BeaverYes. Thanks for stopping by.
caressa walker
This post was definitely a pick me up to get me back on track! Remember Gods purspose is so important because it connects us to something bigger than ourselves.
melinda cummings
Great post, I needed to hear this!!
Mamie L. Pack
melinda cummingsThanks for stopping by.
Leticia
I absolutely LOVE this!!! Pin and saved!!
Mamie L. Pack
LeticiaThank you!!
Kristen Still
Such a motivating post! Thank you!
Mamie L. Pack
Kristen StillThank you!
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Diffusing the Tension
I love the positivity here! While I’m not a person of faith, it’s always good to have something to believe in that inspires you and comforts you in times of doubt and worry. Keep it up!
The Happy Mommie
Sometimes we feel quitting nis the only solution but I agree with you on so many levels quitting is never an option Try and try till you succeed
Mamie L. Pack
The Happy MommieMaking up our minds to keep moving forward takes discipline for sure.
Life With Sonia
I love this. Gonna pin this.
Mamie L. Pack
Life With SoniaThanks Sonia!
Stephanie
Such great advice. It’s so important to remember your why and what is really important!
Christine
This is great! I love all of these tips- thanks!
cendu
I’ve really had a hard time staying motivated lately. It’s this lockdown combined with everything else. It’s hard to break out of this feeling but I know that my goals are still just as important as when I started. I think showing up is half the battle and I’m going to try to simply do that and be okay with the small steps for now. It doesn’t always have to be all or nothing.
I needed this today! Thank you 🙂
acgougler
This is such a great reminder and something to look back to when we feel like giving up!