Every day I encounter talented, passionate people who are nevertheless searching for their purpose. Not the necessary purposes of our dreary days like paying bills and putting out the trash – the big, hairy, audacious purpose.

A God-sized BHAP.

It seems that there’s often a disconnect between who we know we are on the inside, and what we do most every day.

And right there is the clue.

The disconnect is between the “who” and the “do”.

I’ve lost count of the number of people who want to be writer, but don’t write.

Or the folks who want to create a lifestyle business, but fear making the moves necessary to embark on that risky but exciting adventure.

Here at home base is my advice on how to discover and grow in your bigger purpose.

Walk after the manner of our pioneer father, Abram!

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing” (Genesis 12:1–2 KJV)

The blessing followed stepping forward in obedience, even though he did not know the details. God did not explain to Abram the how. He did not sit him down and describe every nuance of the journey. He didn’t even really disclose the destination.

It took faith to uproot from his comforts and step into the unknown with nothing more than a word to walk on.

The creative Christian life is the same. Again and again, the Holy Spirit will guide you beyond your present comforts to explore new ideas.

By “go” I simply mean moving an idea from mere inspiration to on-the-ground dirty-feet-and-fingers application.

Actually doing what we dream, not just looking longingly from a safe distance.

If you want to be a writer, start being like one.

If you plan to create an online presence, start today, and start where you are.

The actual truth, and one that is generally not trumpeted on the pages and programs you might be sold, is that uncertainty is part of the package for entrepreneurs and creatives.

Generally, we are not selling or sowing the core essentials of life – you are not punting around with a van selling victuals.

As an artist, teacher, trainer, or coach, you deal in hope, aspiration, purpose, and becoming!

These are often intangibles, and the elements in the equation are not as neat as A + B = C.

What we bring to the table, and the things the Holy Spirit is encouraging us to embark upon will be understood by some, and shunned by others.

At times the misunderstanding of friends and family will seek to hamper our steps. Faith, which in one sense means tip-toeing into the unknown and unexplored, is not really popular. It challenges our comforts and long-cherished beliefs.

Can I be more?

Can I really make a difference?

Will I be received?

Will what I bring connect with others?

Will it sell?

Can I really make money and still be true to my standards and values?

I would like to be able to say a resounded, “YES”, to all of these.

The honest truth is, and this is where things get real, I don’t know. And nor do you, until you try.

That’s why this call is one to a walk of faith. It’s an invitation into a relationship with your Guide and Partner, the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes the going will be a joyful ride, at other times every inch might feel strained with uncertainty.

The important thing is, as I have said before, that you take the next step.

As you do you’ll get a clearer and clearer vision of your place in the Kingdom, and your mission here on earth.

This is the only sure way I have found, and the one that yields results.

You have to faithfully (and sometimes trembling) take action. As some have coined, “do it scared”.

Sometimes the result will be learning who you are not, and further clarifying what you do not want to do. But with every turn and every step you take, the recognition of who you and what you bring to the world will be refined.

Let me also assure you, it does get easier.

God is faithful. Seeming failures along the way will not kill you. And today is always a fresh opportunity to dust down, press in, and believe again!