Embrace the Adventure and Find Joy in Your Journey.

Take just a minute to close your eyes. Breathe deep and clear your mind. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

What does success look like to you? Is it a title? Is it a certain income every month? Is it praise, accolades, or awards that you’ve earned, or ribbons that you’ve attained? Some of you may be brand new to Direct Sales, while others have been on your personal journey for years.  Would you consider yourself a success, even if you haven’t received or achieved those things?

James writes in James 1:2-6, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”

First, James does not say “if” you have trials, but “when.” Not “if” a month is harder than usual, but “when.” Not “if” your calendar looks empty but “when.” Those “when” moments are not the time for you to give up! It’s a time to embrace it, and meet the struggle head on! James goes on to tell us that the testing of your faith produces patience—a gentle reminder that there is a purpose for your struggle. This encourages us to keep going, even when we do have hard times because there is a purpose for them! It makes us stronger, teaches us valuable lessons, brings us closer to those who are walking with us in our journey, and gives us experience that we can fall back on in the future. Overcoming a struggle, no matter how small, is a success, and it is a part of your journey! Maybe your first mountain to overcome is making a phone call, or sending a text and making new contacts. Maybe your mountain is beating your record from the previous year, or maintaining a business while you care for your family, or put yourself through school. Each trial and mountain is significant to the one on that journey.

James also reminds us to ask for what we need, and to ask with the belief that you’ll receive an answer! Don’t let anyone tell you God isn’t concerned with your business because He is! He brought you here for a purpose, and He promises that if you ask for help, and ask for wisdom, He won’t just give it, but he’ll heap it on! He gives it generously and abundantly!

As we start this brand new year, take a look back at the last one. Realize just how far you’ve come, celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and look forward to the coming year! Know that every bit of your journey is a beautiful sight to God, who is cheering you on with every step.

XOXO,

Karen