By Ryan Kelly

If you are like me, you enjoy gaining inspiration from others on how to grow your life and succeed at the various things that you’re interested in.  For me, it’s business, but for others it may be sports, landscaping, healthcare, law, politics, ministry, a trade, or any number of other interests.  But, when you start reading and watching videos from others, it can tend to sway you into territory that you don’t necessarily want to be in.

Case in point – I enjoy listening to podcasts from real estate investors and high-end business owners.  I like to hear the inspiration behind what has made them successful.  But inevitably, it makes me want to work more and to push harder.  This isn’t a bad thing in itself, but the problem is that it doesn’t always fit where the Lord wants me to be in this stage of life.  I am already a very hard worker by nature, and I frequently feel the Lord telling me to enjoy time with family and to slow down.  Anytime I ask Him what my life should look like, He clearly gives me a heart for my family and quality family time above all else. This can be contrary to the lives of tech giants and real estate moguls.  When I listen to these gurus of finance, it often takes my eye off of the Lord and onto others for my inspiration and guidance.  Fortunately, I can quickly identify if I go astray and allow the Lord to pull me back to the reality of who He “really wants me to be.”  In this, I take great comfort and am very grateful.

I say this to ask, do you feel the Lord pulling you into the life that He wants you to be living right now?  And further, who are you listening to…other people or the Lord?  There is nothing at all wrong with gaining inspiration from others and being motivated to be successful. I often enjoy it.  But ultimately the only voice that matters is the one who created you and who truly knows what is best for you.  After all, He knit you in your mothers’ womb before you were born and He has a path intended for you to follow.  

In this crazy world with so many voices, be sure to listen to the Lord’s voice and His guidance for you.  You will never go wrong by following Him.