I’m not sure where I first heard this idea, but it makes a lot of sense to me. When thinking about what might be next in life, work, ministry, or any new opportunity, it can be helpful consider three things: ability, breaks, and courage.
Ability
Determine your abilities and write them down. If you are older with a lot of experience, it may take time to think through everything you have learned and developed over the years. You probably have things to offer the world that come so naturally to you that you hardly recognize them as abilities or gifts. That’s why it is worth thinking carefully and making a list.
For younger people, things you have already done — even if you were never paid for them — can be valuable personal capital. Think about internships, volunteer experiences, jobs, responsibilities, or ways you have helped with your family’s work or business. These experiences can jog your memory and reveal abilities you may not have considered before.
Breaks
Be open to opportunities and pay attention to the ways God may be using your friends, family, and connections to open doors. At the same time, some of our biggest breaks may come from outside our normal circle.
The people closest to us are often the ones who encourage us, support us, and help keep us safe. While that kind of community is valuable, opportunities often come when we move beyond the familiar circle to meet new people, try something different, attend an event, move to a new place, or simply say yes to a conversation we might not have had otherwise.
Many jobs, relationships, and significant moments in life begin when we move beyond our normal circle. Breaks often come from people and places on the periphery of our lives. We need to remain open to the possibilities God may place there.
Courage
At some point, you have to step through the door, try something, and take a risk.
Success has no guarantees. Courage does not mean you are never worried or afraid. Courage means that, despite the uncertainty, you choose to move forward.
You may discover that an opportunity was not what you expected, but you will learn something by taking the step. And sometimes the only way to discover what is next is to have the courage to move forward and find out.
Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
