You Are the Girl for the Job

A few months ago I was able to attend & speak at one of the incredibleee Reclaim Retreats that we host here at Stand Unshaken, and heading to the airport I knew with all of me that this was exactly what I needed. I was tired, so desperately craving a refresh in the Lord and clarity on the things that He had called me to do… and how to do them. On the way, I had picked up a book recommended to me by a dear friend & started reading it as I sat waiting to board. You guys, as soon as I read a few pages of this I instantly began to feel the nearness and presence of God in those ways I had been praying for. As I read chapter after chapter in this book, “You Are the Girl for the Job”, the author Jess Connolly kept writing words that felt like she had taken all of my exact prayers straight to the Lord and written out the encouragement & practical guidance I was needing.  She got to the root of this truth that God has proclaimed over our lives from the beginning, that we are the GIRL for the JOB God has given us to do. And it’s a truth not based in my capacity, or how pumped up I can get from reading books like “Girl, wash your face”- this was deeper, more powerful, because instead of pointing to us, it points to the LORD. It’s changed my life & I literally tell all of my friends about this book and I HAD to tell you too. A recap of sorts!

So friend, if we were having coffee today I would reach over, look you in the eyes and tell you so confidently, that Y O U are the girl for the job. YOU! Not her, not you in a few years, not you when you hustle or even when you’re trying to be your best self. You just as you are today. Why? Because the God of all capacity, who not only calls you, but also equips you and dwells within you is enabling you to carry out His plans.

But I wouldn’t just leave ya there, because I don’t just want you to just know that you are the girl for the job, I want to empower you with WHY and HOW you can be. And the first place we have to start, which may be the most surprising, is that we have to start by taking ourselves out of the running. Out of the running to be the best woman, the most authentic, hospitable, encouraging, creative. Out of the running to be the best mom or successful small business owner, the most productive. To quit trying to win the award for any of those things & instead shift our focus to Him. To surrender so that we can receive God’s strength, God’s power, God’s grace that actually gets the job done that He’s given us.

Before we keep going, let’s take a second together to release that pressure we’ve received. Seriously. Let’s release the lie that we have to do or be more in order to live fulfilled or do the things God has called us to do, well. Friend, there is a freedom the Lord wants you to walk in as you partner with HIM as the main focus instead focusing on yourself, your insecurity, or even your perception of your own capacity.

The Lord isn’t waiting to move powerfully in and through you, He wants to start now. Right now, as you’re reading this. Because who you are RIGHT now, is enough when He is the focus. God wants to use you to make a difference, for HIS GLORY and the good of others. He is a redeemer and restorer and He is inviting you, in your uniqueness and unique circumstances, to allow Him to move through you as you accomplish HIS purpose in the world, in your home, in your business, in your local Church and community. He wants to grow you, drawn you nearer, love you, fill & satisfy you as you join Him on the journey.

SOUNDS PRETTY GREAT RIGHT?!

That we can be used by God and live fulfilled not by being perfect or ahead of the game or catching up with the hustle, but simply by resting in and surrendering to Him. 

We’re women of God, and we’re here for a purpose. He’s given us a job to do, that is so important and so beautiful- and we aren’t going to miss out on it. We’re going to dare to believe that God IS who He says He is, and we have what it takes because HE IS WHAT IT TAKES and He is the one doing the heavy lifting through us as we take ourselves out of the running and re-focus toward Him.

I love this story in Exodus where the LORD is commanding Moses to build the Tabernacle, the place where He will come and permanently dwell with His people Israel and He gives Moses this really specific way that it must be built. With extreme skillfulness and I love this verse that follows:

“And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord's contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart.” Exodus 35:21-22

The Lord had a purpose He wanted to accomplish of drawing near to His people through the tabernacle & He specifically equipped and stirred within the hearts of people with exactly what they would need in order to get the big, IMPORTANT job done. Friend, you are the woman He is stirring on, you are one of His children who He has specifically equipped for the work He is wanting to do in your corner of the world as He draws near to His people and restores and redeems them. 

And where He’s asking us to start, is by simply choosing to believe and partner with God in the truth that y o u are the girl for the job He has placed in front of you or deep in your heart. Just like Moses and David, Esther and the disciples. He created to you be a unique part in the movement of God in your generation. And just with these incredible pioneers in Scripture, He wasn’t asking them to strive but instead to trust and obey.

So what would  it look like for you to simply trust & obey with the job He has given you? What small or big steps can you take today in obedience? What shifts could you make in the narrative you speak over yourself, or the way you spend your time? What changes can you confidently make now knowing that what you have inside of you is “what God has perfectly ordained for you to use for His glory” & to live out His purpose?

Maybe spend some time quieting the world and leaning into God to help you gain His perspective for what He’s called you to in this season & how He wants you focus your heart and attention. Ask Him for wisdom and clarity so that you can live confidently in your everyday knowing that where you are isn’t in vain and that He is moving powerfully even now & is inviting you to be a part of it.

And then when you’re done, it’s time for us to dive deeper into what and WHO God has called you to. How you can face your fears and move forward. And for that, I hand off the baton to Jess. Because friend, she has poured her heart into this book so that she can answer those questions for you in light of Scripture and what God is speaking. 

So trust me, take the next step and go grab this book for yourself because what God wants to do in and through you is too important! <3 

• please note that all quotes included in this blog are from “You Are the Girl For the Job” book by Jess Connolly