If you are a creative, you may have experienced this all too well… “You do a LOT!” I get this all the time when people ask what I do or watch me on social media. I love to create. God put this deep into my innermost being and it brings me joy. Whether I am doing digital art, painting, making tee-shirts, writing, teaching, and more I realized I am living in my purpose. People have said, “You are a hustler!” Immediately, I respond nope, just living in my purpose.
You are probably wondering, how does all that creating fit into your purpose? Let’s chat…
All the things that I do are not all over the place. They all work together. I am not stretched thin. I am not exhausted. I am not stressed. All the individual things are puzzle pieces to my life’s puzzle.
When I promote my products, I present it and allow everything to be organic. I don’t force it; I don’t try to finagle (is that how you spell it?). If it speaks to the people then great, if not, no worries. I don’t depend on what sells, I depend on God.
I co-create and co-work with God, allowing it to be a God-led thing and not a me-led thing. When I lead it, it crashes and burns, but when God has His hand in it… whew!! Praise Him.
Everything I do is to glorify God. When the Bible said to commit your works to Him, I took that seriously.
Now do not get me wrong, have I been a hustler before? Have I bought into the hustle culture? Yes, I have. But when I had a life changing experience to allow me to meet Jesus, it altered my mindset. I studied the Word for myself, and it transformed me and renewed me. Everything shifted! From the type of work, the things I did, the content I put out there, basically a new person.
God blessed me with these gifts, talents, and passions and I want to make sure I honor Him with them. I use my gifts to serve in very creative ways and I am so excited about that.
As I grow closer with Jesus, I am learning that just because I can do a lot of things really well, that I do not have to do it. In fact, DO NOT DO IT! My relationship with Jesus showed me my purpose which helps me figure out if I am leaning towards hustling or purpose. When I lean towards hustling, that is when I am trying to be in control. I see my bank account on E so, let’s sign up for Lyft. When I am leaning towards my purpose, and my account is still on E, God presents me with opportunities, reminding me that He is in control such as getting an interview to teach art classes. This all happened this past week too!
Sure, I can serve driving people around for Lyft, but that pulls away from my specific assignment. What you make yourself available for makes you unavailable for other things.
Living in Purpose: What Does It Mean for You?
Let’s reflect! Are you hustling, or are you living in your God-given purpose? The difference is wild but so clear. Hustling is definitely rooted from our attempts to control outcomes but living in purpose means letting go and saying yes to God’s plan, trusting Him fully.
Here are three key things to focus on as you navigate your creative journey:
Commit Your Work to God
Everything you create or pursue should be an offering to God. Ask Him to guide your steps and align your actions with His will.Identify Your Assignment
Just because you’re good at many things doesn’t mean you’re called to do them all. Seek God’s clarity on where your gifts are best used for His glory.Be Available for Purpose
Remember, what you say "yes" to should align with the purpose God has for you. Saying "yes" to one thing often means saying "no" to another.
Reflection Journal Questions
Take some time to reflect and write in your journal:
What are the unique gifts and talents God has given me, and how am I using them to glorify Him?
Am I operating in a hustle mindset or living in my purpose? How can I tell the difference?
What is one thing I can release to make room for God’s purpose in my life?
10 Verses to Encourage You On This Journey
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”This verse reflects your practice of dedicating your work to God.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”Emphasizes that God has created you with a purpose to glorify Him.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with 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.”Aligns with your mindset of creating and working for God’s glory.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”A reminder to trust God with your path and purpose.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”Highlights the transformation you described after drawing closer to Jesus.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”Encourages focusing on God’s purpose, trusting Him to provide for your needs.
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”Aligns with your use of creative gifts to serve others and honor God.
Isaiah 64:8
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”A reminder that God shapes and leads us in our purpose.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Reflects God’s intentional design for your purpose.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”Encourages persistence in living purposefully with God’s guidance.
Join the Journaling Club
I would love to invite you to join my online journaling club. Together, we explore purpose, creativity, and faith through journaling and meaningful conversations. Whether you’re a seasoned journaler or just getting started, you will find encouragement, inspiration, and community.
Click here to learn more and sign up! Let’s co-create with God and live in our purpose together.
I also teach the youth online called Journal Your Life through Outschool. For more information check it out.
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