A Year of Initiative

This year has been full of surprises for me, especially in how I’ve stepped into roles and taken on tasks that I never imagined I would. As someone who treasures sleep, the thought of waking up at 2 a.m. for work seemed unimaginable. Yet, that’s exactly what I did today, and to my surprise, it turned into an experience that left me both proud and fulfilled.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

The day before, I found myself leaving work early, trying to adjust my routine to get at least seven hours of sleep before the early wake-up call. It wasn’t easy—my body resisted the change, and falling asleep felt almost impossible. But I reminded myself of Philippians 4:13, drawing strength from knowing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. When the alarm went off at 2 a.m., I got up, determined to take on this challenge.

As I went through the motions at work, something unexpected happened—I started having fun. The task that initially seemed daunting became something enjoyable, and by the end of it, I felt a deep sense of pride. It was rewarding to realize that I had not only done something out of the ordinary but had also found joy in it. This experience encouraged me to participate in another early-morning event at work, something I never thought I’d willingly sign up for.

Reflecting on this experience, I’ve noticed a pattern this year—taking initiative in areas of my life where I once hesitated. When was the last time you did something you thought you’d never do? How did it change you?

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

From leading a small group at church to being a part of the tech crew, I’ve found myself stepping up in ways that are new to me. Last year, I took the initiative to join the tech crew at church, learning new skills and contributing to the team. This year, I’ve gone even further, leading a small group and planning events—roles that I would have shied away from in the past. Each of these roles initially felt intimidating, but I reminded myself of 2 Timothy 1:7—that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-control, not of fear. By leaning into this scripture, I found the courage to take these steps, and the results have been incredible.

It’s as if God has been guiding me to step out of my comfort zone, pushing me to embrace new challenges. This shift in my mindset has been one of the most significant changes for me this year. I’ve moved from a place of comfort and routine to one where I’m more open to trying new things, even those that seem daunting at first.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3

Each time I’ve taken the initiative, whether in my work or church life, I’ve committed it to the Lord, trusting that He will establish my plans as stated in Proverbs 16:3. And each time, I’ve seen how these steps of faith and initiative have led to personal growth, unexpected joy, and deeper connections with others.

This year has truly been a year of initiative for me. As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” By pushing myself to try new things, I’ve grown in ways I never expected. Who knows what other unexpected opportunities will come my way? I’m ready to embrace them with open arms, knowing that God is with me every step of the way.

Soul Insights

1. Embrace the Unexpected: Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come from stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing what you thought was impossible.

2. Find Strength in Faith: Lean on your faith when faced with challenges. Trust that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

3. Overcome Fear with Action: Fear can hold us back, but when we take action despite our fears, we discover new strengths and possibilities.

4. Commit Your Work to God: By dedicating your efforts to God, you align your plans with His purpose, which brings success and fulfillment.

5. Growth Comes from Initiative: Taking initiative, even in small ways, can lead to personal growth, new skills, and a deeper sense of accomplishment.

Final Thoughts

This week, I challenge you to take on something new, something you’ve been hesitant about. You might just find that, like me, it leads to unexpected joy. If you’re reading this and find yourself in a similar situation—hesitant to try something new because it seems too hard or out of your comfort zone—I encourage you to take that step. You might just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it and how much you grow from the experience.

Soul Path Insights