"Walking in Purpose: Practical Steps to Embrace Your Journey and Navigate Your Unique Process"

Life is a journey filled with twists, turns, trials, and triumphs. We have been witnesses to the uncertainty of this season but what is certain is a God who promises to instruct us, teach us in the way we should go, and personally counsel us (Psalm 32:8). As believers, we are called to walk this path with faith, trusting that God is refining us through every step. However, embracing our journey isn’t just about enduring hardships—it’s about actively participating in the process of transformation. Here are practical ways to navigate your unique process and walk in purpose with confidence and grace.

1. Stay Rooted in the Word Just as an olive tree must be firmly planted before it can bear fruit, we must be deeply rooted in God’s Word. Make daily Scripture reading, meditation, and application a priority. The Word of God provides wisdom, direction, and strength to endure challenges. Psalm 1:2-3 reminds us that those who delight in God’s law will be like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season. This may mean joining a bible study or other Christian group where you can have accountability and encouragement.

2. Recognize and Accept the Shaking When trials come, instead of resisting, ask God what He is revealing through the shaking. Sometimes, difficulties are the catalyst for necessary change. Consider how God might be using your current situation to shift you into greater alignment with His will. Trials expose what is built on solid ground versus what is built on sinking sand (Matthew 7:24-27). Let go of your expectations and “go with God’s flow”.

3. Allow God to Cleanse and Refine You The olive undergoes a cleansing process before it can be used. Likewise, we must allow God to remove impurities from our hearts. This may involve repentance, forgiving others, and surrendering habits that hinder spiritual growth. As 2 Timothy 2:21 says, when we cleanse ourselves from dishonorable things, we become vessels fit for God’s purpose. For some of us, there may have been behaviors or tendencies God has asked us to correct for a while, this is the perfect time to revisit God’s promptings and respond with obedience.

4. Embrace the Crushing and Pressing Difficult seasons can feel like unbearable pressure, yet they serve a greater purpose. When olives are crushed, oil is produced. Similarly, God uses trials to extract the anointing in our lives. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” shift your perspective to, “Lord, what are You producing in me through this?” John 3:30 reminds us that we must decrease so that He may increase. Take the process one day at a time. You don’t have to have everything figured out but let God give you the next step.

5. Trust the Process of Separation God often separates us from people, places, or things that no longer serve our spiritual growth. This step can feel lonely, but it is necessary for purity and preparation. Just as olive oil is separated from water to enhance its quality, God purifies us to reflect His holiness. Lean into His presence, trusting that He is setting you apart for a greater calling (Psalm 4:3). This may also mean letting go of the excess in our lives causing imbalance or even opening the doors to demonic influence like gossip, running with the wrong crowd, mainstream news, or social media.

6. Respond in Faith, Not Fear The world reacts to trials with panic, fear, and doubt. As believers, our response should be rooted in faith. Stand firm on God’s promises, knowing He is with you in every storm. When others complain, be the voice of hope. When fear arises, declare God’s Word over your life. James 1:2-4 encourages us to count it all joy, knowing that trials produce perseverance and maturity. Perfect love casts out fear and God did not give us a spirit of fear. Experiencing fear most likely means a need to use the sword of the Spirit (scripture) to establish faith in your life. Faith comes from hearing the word of God. Declare 2 Tim. 1:7 (NKJV) over you, “or God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

7. Stay in Community and Seek Godly Counsel Isolation can be dangerous in seasons of hardship. Surround yourself with a faith-filled community that will encourage and uplift you. Seek wise counsel from spiritual mentors who can provide guidance and prayer. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that victory comes through the wisdom of many counselors. Don’t just get around anybody but get around the right type of people. If you feel that you don’t have these people in your life, pray and ask God to bring your destiny helpers.

8. Walk in Expectation of Breakthrough Every season of testing leads to a season of transformation. Expect God to use what you’ve endured for His glory. Continue to press forward with faith, knowing that He who began a good work in you will complete it (Philippians 1:6). Your journey is not in vain—your pain has a purpose, and your obedience will lead to greater anointing. Continue to pray with perseverance and increase your time in prayer. Also, take the next step and start fasting regularly which will help you to see breakthroughs in your prayer life.

Embracing your journey means trusting God through every high and low. The trials you face are not meant to break you but to build you into the person God created you to be. Stay planted in His Word, embrace the process, and walk confidently into your purpose. No matter what comes your way, know that God is with you, refining you for His divine plan.

Take heart, trust the process, and walk boldly in your calling! With <3 Janelle