Live Authentically. Love deeply. Lead Boldly.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by a calling that seems way beyond your capabilities? You’re not alone. As a Christian entrepreneur, I’ve been there more times than I can count. Let’s dive into this rollercoaster ride of a personal journey of faith, doubt, and unexpected growth. Buckle up, friend – it’s going to be a wild, transformative ride!

The Uncomfortable Comfort Zone: Where Growth Begins

You know that feeling when God nudges you out of your comfort zone?

Yeah, it’s like being pushed off a cliff and told to fly. Scary stuff, right? But here’s the kicker – it’s in these moments of our personal journey that we grow the most.

It’s like spiritual CrossFit – uncomfortable, challenging, and sometimes makes you want to quit, but oh boy, the results are worth it!

My “What Was I Thinking?” Moments: A Tale of Two Leaps

Let me tell you about Thrive Life TV. Picture this:

God whispers, “Hey Amy, let’s create an app and media company.”

My response? “Uh, God, I think you’ve got the wrong number. I’m a licensed counselor, not a tech whiz!”

I mean, seriously, what do I know about creating apps? My tech skills peaked at setting up my voicemail. But there I was, diving headfirst into a world of code, user interfaces, and content creation.

• Talk about a fish out of water!
• Every step of the way, I felt like I was stumbling in the dark
• Praying I wouldn’t break the internet

But that’s not all. Let me take you back to the beginning of my counseling center journey.

Picture this: a parking lot in Houston, Texas.

Now, in a city where 50-page leases and extensive background checks are the norm, I started my counseling center with a handshake deal. Yes, you heard that right – a handshake in a parking lot. Only God could orchestrate something like that!

I thought small – maybe me and a couple of other counselors in a cozy little space. But God? Oh, He had other plans.

• In just 11 months, we went from a modest 1,000 square feet to a whopping 7,000!
• And get this – we hit seven figures.
• Talk about exponential growth!

Here’s the kicker – I had no clue how to run a business. None. Zilch. Nada.

But God, in His infinite wisdom (and probably with a celestial chuckle), pushed me into the deep end of my personal journey. I quickly learned to swim, grabbing onto mentorship like a life preserver.

Fast forward five years, and just when I thought I had this business thing figured out, God throws another curveball. He tells me to walk away from it all.

Yeah, you read that right. Walk away from a thriving, seven-figure business.

• It wasn’t in my plans
• Wasn’t even on my radar
• But there I was, stepping out in faith once again

And where did that step lead me? Straight out of the depths of building a new business — a realm where I felt about as qualified as a fish teaching bicycle riding.

It’s like God has this divine sense of humor, constantly pushing me into territories where I have to rely entirely on Him. One minute I’m a counselor, the next I’m a reluctant entrepreneur, and now? I’m diving into the world of media and technology. Talk about a career rollercoaster!

The Imposter Syndrome Is Real: Battling the Inner Critic

Every time I sit down to write a masterclass, record a podcast, or create a course, I’m convinced I’ve got nothing worthwhile to say. It’s like my brain goes on vacation and leaves a “Gone Fishing” sign. Can anyone relate?

This inner critic is relentless. It whispers things like:

• “Who do you think you are?”
• “You’re not qualified for this.”
• “Someone else could do this so much better.”

It’s like having a pessimistic parrot on your shoulder, constantly squawking doubts into your ear. And let me tell you, some days, that parrot is louder than a heavy metal concert.

But Here’s the Secret Sauce: Two Ingredients for Overcoming

When I’m feeling like a fish out of water, I’ve learned to do two things:

1. Pray:
   • I simply ask, “God, what do I need to know today? What do I need to do?”
   • It’s amazing how a little heavenly wisdom can clear the fog.
   • Sometimes, the answer is clear as day. Other times, it’s more like a game of spiritual charades.
   • But you know what? Even when I don’t get a clear answer, the act of asking centers me. It reminds me that I’m not in this alone.
2. Read:
   • I dive into books for inspiration.
   • Sometimes, the right words at the right time can spark a wildfire of ideas.
   • It’s like God uses other people’s words to speak directly to my situation.
   • I’ve had moments where I’ve read a sentence, and it’s felt like a lightning bolt of clarity.
   • Books by authors like Bob Goff, Jennie Allen, or John Maxwell have been like friends cheering me on from the sidelines.

You’re in Good Company: The Bible’s “Hall of Fame” of Inadequacy

Feeling inadequate? Join the club! The Bible is full of “regular” people God put in extraordinary circumstances:

• Paul: Former persecutor turned apostle. Talk about a career change! This guy went from hunting Christians to leading them. If God can use someone with that kind of baggage, there’s hope for all of us.
• Jonah: The guy who needed a timeout in a fish. He literally ran in the opposite direction of God’s call. Ever felt like booking a one-way ticket when God calls? Jonah’s your guiding spirit.
• Elijah: Depression didn’t stop him from being a powerful prophet. Even after calling down fire from heaven, he had moments of despair. It’s a powerful reminder that being used by God doesn’t mean we won’t have low moments.
• Jeremiah: The “weeping prophet” who couldn’t stop speaking truth. He felt inadequate and too young, yet God used him powerfully. Sometimes, our perceived weaknesses are exactly what God wants to use.
• Esther: From orphan to queen, saving her people. Talk about an unexpected plot twist! She probably never imagined her life taking such a turn, yet she rose to the occasion when it mattered most.

These stories remind me that God has a track record of using imperfect, often reluctant people to do extraordinary things. It’s not about having the perfect resume; it’s about having a willing heart.

The Ultimate Power-Up: God’s Strength in Our Weakness

When I’m feeling like I’m running on empty, I cling to this verse:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

It’s like God’s saying, “Amy, your weakness is my sweet spot. Watch what I can do through you!”

This verse has become my spiritual Red Bull. When I feel weak, inadequate, or just plain tired on this personal journey of mine, I remind myself that these feelings aren’t a bug in God’s plan – they’re a feature. Our weaknesses create space for God’s strength to shine through.

Faith: The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush

Here’s the raw truth: I have no choice but to rely on God. Why? Because half the time, I have no clue what I’m doing!

• I’m a licensed counselor and marriage therapist
• Not an online marketer, speaker, writer, or teacher
• Yet, here I am, doing all of those things

It’s like God’s playing cosmic dress-up with my career!

Every time I step into a role I feel unqualified for, my faith gets a workout. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once. There are moments when I’m about to go on stage, or hit ‘publish’ on a course, where my heart races and my palms sweat.

But in those moments in this personal journey of mine, I’ve learned to pray, “God, I’m going to look real foolish if you don’t show up. So, please show up!”

And you know what? He always does. Maybe not in the way I expect, but always in the way I need.

The Unexpected Reward: Impact Beyond Imagination

You want to know the coolest part? People actually thank me for “being real,” for sharing my story, for being vulnerable. They tell me about the transformations in their lives and marriages.

It’s in these moments that I realize – this isn’t about me at all. It’s about God working through my messy, imperfect self to touch lives.

I remember one couple who came to me on the brink of divorce. They were living like roommates, barely speaking, hearts full of resentment. Through our sessions, as I shared my own struggles and the lessons God had taught me, something began to shift.

• Walls came down
• Hearts softened
• Healing began

Months later, they sent me a photo of them renewing their vows, smiling like newlyweds.

These moments remind me why God calls us beyond our abilities while we’re going on a personal journey. It’s not to torture us or set us up for failure. It’s because He sees the potential impact, the lives that can be changed, the ripple effect of one person saying “yes” to His call.

Practical Tips for Embracing God’s Call

1. Embrace the Learning Curve:
   • When God calls you to something new, become a student.
   • Take courses, read books, find mentors.
   • Your willingness to learn can open doors you never imagined.
2. Find Your Crew:
   • Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your calling.
   • Their encouragement can be a lifeline on tough days.
3. Celebrate Small Wins:
   • Don’t wait for the big victory to celebrate the milestones in your personal journey.
   • Acknowledge every small step forward.
   • It builds momentum and confidence.
4. Keep a ‘God Moments’ Journal:
   • Write down every time you see God work through your weakness.
   • It becomes powerful ammunition against future doubt.
5. Redefine Success:
   • Success isn’t about perfection or having it all together.
   • It’s about faithfulness and obedience to God’s call.

The Divine Plot Twist: Embracing God’s Unexpected Turns

You know, looking back at my journey from a handshake deal in a parking lot to a thriving counseling center, and then to my online business, I can’t help but marvel at God’s sense of adventure. It’s like He’s writing a story with my life, and just when I think I know the plot, He throws in a twist that leaves me breathless.

Each of these experiences has taught me one crucial lesson:

God’s plans for our personal journey are always bigger, always bolder, and always better than anything we could dream up on our own.

Your Turn: Embrace the Adventure

So, my fellow Christian entrepreneur, if you’re feeling in over your head, congratulations! You’re exactly where God wants you.

• Embrace the adventure
• Lean into the discomfort
• Watch in awe as God does the impossible through you

Remember, it’s not about having it all together. It’s about being willing to be used, imperfections and all. Your weaknesses, your doubts, your fears – they’re all part of the beautiful mosaic God is creating through your life.

Every time you feel inadequate, remember this: God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Your “yes” to His call, even when shaky and unsure, is the first step to an adventure beyond your wildest dreams.

So, what impossible thing is God calling you to do today?

• Maybe it’s starting that business you’ve been dreaming of.
• Perhaps it’s having that difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding.
• Or it could be simply showing up, even when you feel unqualified.

Whatever it is, know this: You are not alone. The God who calls you will equip you. And who knows? Your act of obedience might just be the catalyst for someone else’s miracle.

Let’s chat in the comments. I’d love to hear about your “God, are you sure?” moments! How has stepping out in faith, even when you felt inadequate, impacted your life and business?