Close The Gap

You know, the gap between who you dream to be and the person you are today.

In a previous blog post, I shared I had a blueprint for succeeding. Succeeding typically involves a schedule (what's expected to be accomplished by morning, noon, and night), a clear goal (so specific, that you know when it is achieved),  building your faith muscle (to put yourself in situations that only God can see you through, and when he does, you build confidence in God to try another goal using faith), and financial gain (seems vain, but in all actuality when increase is involved, a person typically will see the goal through).

But what about the person who does all of that, yet finds a gap between who they are today and who they dream to be? You've done the work to succeed, yet you still feel empty. I find this part to be spiritual. Just keep reading, friend.

How to close the gap between who you dream to be and the person you are today?

1) "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Mathew 6:33

I wouldn't recommended you close the gap between anything before you close the gap between you and God. How I seek first the Kingdom of God:

• By seeking God's word (reading the bible)
• By staying in God's face (through worship and prayer)
• By being obedient to what he has called me to do
• By pursuing righteousness (waking up wanting the Holy Spirit to be comfortable, by doing things that fuel the Holy Spirit instead of what I am personally convicted of that grieves the Holy Spirit that lives within me)

I'm not sure if you've heard of the book "The Purpose Driven Life," by author Rick Warren, but this book emphasizes our relationship with our creator (God). Your creator knows what he created you for, so when you seek God first, he'll direct you in the path that closes the gap between who HE aspires you to be and who you currently are.

You can waste a lot of money, time, educational degrees, meaningless relationships (friendships and romantic partners), and be in the wrong life groups (yep, even wrong church activities) when you pursue dreams that aren't God's purpose for your life.

2) "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23

I believe that God is an advocate for counseling, and below is why...

Before you guard your heart, heal it because everything you do flows from it.

It is so important to heal in the areas of your heart and mind that is hurting, AS you close the gap between who you are today and who you aspire to be. If you're struggling in your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and experiencing roadblocks to being fulfilled, it may be the fact that you are guarding a wounded heart.

• Journal. Get it all out, daily. The good, the bad, and uncertain things that happened throughout the day. Write out things you didn't say out of fear of people not understanding and judgement from others, or even punishment.
• Slow Down. Think about your thoughts. Capture those thoughts, and ask yourself why you thought that in that moment. After evaluating some negative thoughts throughout the day, redirect your thoughts intentionally to something that is good, that is going well, that gives you hope.
• Confront. Some cycles won't heal, until you confront yourself and others. Keep confronting until your heart isn't hurt anymore. Confronting is a journey, it's a communication style, and it's a lifestyle. Get comfortable with addressing what's not okay with you, listening for why something was done, and navigating life accordingly. 

I truly believe that you can't TOTALLY close the gap between who you are and who you aspire to be until you start dealing with past hurt (grief, disappoints, and failures to name a few).

3) "Whatever you do, work at it will all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

Understand that you are a multifaceted asset to the Kingdom of God.

I personally believe that we spend entirely too much time trying to figure out the ONE thing that God has called us to do. I believe that there are many things you're called to do. Many things you will enjoy doing as a Christian. And lastly, you will have many different callings during each SEASON of your life.

Your purpose is today. Yes, under your current condition and situation, and the Lord is calling you to be about his business right now. Stagnancy is a trap of the enemy, tricking Christians to not act on anything, as you ruminate about the ONE thing God has called you to do.

You acting NOW on the things God has placed in your heart to do, will close the gap between who you are and who you aspire to be.

Do IT now, and serve the Lord through the many gifts and desires he has placed within you, whether it's big or small.

You like flowers and gardening? Do it as unto the Lord.
You like to dance? Do it as unto the Lord.
You like to budget money? Do it as unto the Lord.
You like to nurse and to doctor on others? Do it as unto the Lord.
You like creating memes? Do it as unto the Lord.
You like to encourage and counsel people? Do it as unto the Lord.
You like fashion? Do it as unto the Lord.
You like making people laugh? Do it as unto the Lord.
You like to rally people together to fight injustice? Do it as unto the Lord.

Yes, in the middle of a pandemic. Yes, in the middle of injustice. Yes in the middle of job instability. Yes, in the middle of a strained marriage. Yes, in the middle of living paycheck to paycheck. Yes, in the middle of friendships not working out. Yes, in the middle of grief.

The body of Christ needs you. YOU NEED YOU- the joyous you, the complete you, the purposeful you. 

Close the gap.

Brittany L Bradley 

Instagram: @brittanylbradley