Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel at the annual Divas, MPH New Year New You Brunch. The panel featured Justine Love (Community/Public Affairs CBS Radio), Jasmine Simms (Scrub Nail Boutique), and Dr. Tilli Williams (Naturopathic Physician). Each of the panelist shared the journey to their purpose and the underlying themes were faith, embracing the journey, and understanding that your purpose will make room for you.
Dr. Tilly encouraged us all to “set our intentions”. I realize that this charge has many interpretations, for some it’s ‘communicating with a higher power’ or ‘clarifying to the universe’. In my book, ‘higher power’ is a mathematical term and I have no clue who ‘the universe’ is; for me, ‘setting our intentions’ means talking to Jesus, that’s His name. It means speaking things as though they are, praying that God’s will overrides your desires, and waiting expectantly.
Speaking things as though they are - This requires a ‘heart check’ to make sure that our intentions and motives are pure. How do we do this? By ensuring that our hearts are full of God’s word. You’re able to speak truth over your life when you know what God says about you and can recall His promises. (Psalm 119:11) “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (NKJV)
Praying for God’s will - When our hearts are full of God’s word, we more readily welcome and accept His will for our lives and trust His plans. Why? Because we ask God for wisdom in order to understand His will. (James 1:5) “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (NKJV)
Waiting expectantly – The key to waiting is asking in faith with an understanding that ‘faith without works is dead’ and trusting that God is faithful and just. As a reminder from my While you wait blog post, “our behavior and disposition while waiting is just as much a part of the testimony as is the outcome”. (James 1:6) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (NKJV)
Speak over yourself, pray for God’s will, and wait expectantly.
During the brunch, Dr. Tilly also reminded us of a great quote/prayer from Benjamin Franklin:
"O powerful Goodness! Bountiful Father! Merciful Guide! Increase in me that wisdom which discovers my truest interest. Strengthen my resolutions to perform what that wisdom dictates"