Stepping Out | Proverbs 16:3 & Proverbs 16:9

This morning we sent out a newsletter for the digital shop called The Print & Pray Shop Time Capsule which featured some of our older products from the summer. I thought it would be fun to dig into my stash to see what sets I still have a lot of & make a page with it for my Goals with Grace devotional challenge! This set Texts from God happens to be one that I designed for the shop back in August 2016 & I thought it worked perfectly with the Goals with Grace kit because of the bright colors & the fun sneaker!

This lesson from the kit on Proverbs 16:3 had me really thinking about the year I’ve spent stepping out for the Lord working for the Illustrated Faith brand. I’m coming up on my 1-year mark & it’s definitely inspired some reflection. As I was thinking about what my goals are for 2017 as well as praying over His will for me, I realized how very blessed I am that my work, purpose, & passion all coincide seamlessly. I think that’s often the case, isn’t it? If you’re passionate about something, God has instilled that within you. He has sparked a fire in you for something & He will help you to use that passion to inspire others! Why fight it?

Proverbs 16:3 states:

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established,” (ESV).

A few lines down, I saw Proverbs 16:9:

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps,” (ESV).

These verses go hand in hand, don’t they? Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God and he will forge a path for you! Take that first step out in your green polka dot sneakers & He will make sure that you have somewhere to place your feet. Be His courier. Be His messenger. Be His runner.

Setting goals is so important, but know that the road to reach them may not be as smooth as you once thought. Sometimes He drags us through the brush & thickets to reach it, doesn’t He? It’s because without suffering there would be no compassion. Without struggle there would be no success. Without stumbling there would be no measure of rising up again. So step out there & run. Your shoes might get dirty, but it will be worth it.

<3 Elaine

Illustrated Faith Texts from God digital set by Elaine Davis | Illustrated Faith by DaySpring Goals with Grace devotional kit by Bailey Robert | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Bright & Brave Fundamentals 12×12 sticker sheet | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd His Love card stock stickers | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Shanna’s Favorite Paint set | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Date it date stamp | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd enamel hearts in One in a Melon & Practice What you Peach | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd pen | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd tape runner | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Paint It paint cards | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Bible Mat | Citrus Twist “Yay” stamp set by Jessy Christopher | UniBall Signo Gel Pen in white | Faber-Castell Big Brush Pens in #199 Black & #171 Light Green | Staz-On ink pad in Jet Black | Master’s Touch acrylic paint in Viridi | Liquitex Heavy Body acrylic paint in Vivid Lime Green