If you’re reading this today, it’s no coincidence. This message is for you, right where you are. This post has been on my heart for a while, and I believe some of us really need to hear it.
Let me ask: Have you been putting off something that feels important? Perhaps it doesn’t make much sense to you, or to others you’ve mentioned it to. Yet, this thing you haven’t pursued keeps pursuing you. Could it be that the Lord has placed it on your heart for a reason?
Whatever it is you’ve been delaying, making excuses for, or waiting for the ‘right time’- today is the right time.
My Story
I delayed starting my blog for a long time. I told myself things like, “I don’t have the time to commit,” or “No one will read it, and if they do, they’ll think it’s rubbish.” Or even, “Who am I to write anything worth reading?”
The truth is, during that season of life, I had plenty of time. In fact, I wish I had that kind of freedom now! I had things to say for those who needed to hear them, and it was okay that it wasn’t my best writing or even for everyone.
I faced the same hesitation with writing my daily posts. Yet, many people have found them encouraging and often tell me it’s just what they needed to hear that day.
If I’d waited for perfect circumstances, I’d never have felt ready to do anything. I’ve let too many years slip by because of perceived reasons why I shouldn’t.
Being Honest
Even if you managed to remove the obstacles you feel are in your way, it would still feel hard, or a different reason would emerge to stop you.
One key thing I’ve learned over the years of waiting for the right time is this: It will never feel like the ‘right time’. The right time is now.
If we keep waiting for that magical window, we’ll blink, and another year, or even a decade – will have passed. This may sound morbid, but we don’t know how many more summers we’ll get to enjoy or how our health will be a year from now.
Friend, let me look you in the eyes and say: It’s time to get on with the things you really should be doing.
Living Fully
As a Christian, I have the hope of eternity to come, being in paradise with Jesus. But I also know there’s a life I’ve been called to live fully now. We all are.
There’s another element to consider: there’s an enemy who wants to stop the Lord’s plans for your life. He may repeat lies spoken over you or place obstacles in your way. But he doesn’t have the power to hold back what the Lord intends to do. Often, we do a good enough job getting in our own way.
Remember: You are fearfully and wonderfully made, unique and incredible in all that makes you who you are. There are things created within you for a purpose. The plan was never for those things to be buried and hidden away.
Questions To Ask Yourself
Firstly, let me ask you this:
- What is that thing you’ve been putting off or delaying, full of excuses?
- What is that thing you feel drawn to, yet you keep setting it aside?
If we were sitting opposite each other in your favourite little café, as we drank our coffees tell you that I’ve wasted so much time making excuses not to do the thing. I wish someone had sat me down years ago and said: ‘Do it anyway. Make a start. Have a go. There’s nothing to lose by doing so.’
I’ve heard many excuses, especially my own (some quite creative!), but they were just ways of excusing myself from what I was meant to be doing all along.
- “I’m not ready; I need to sort out my wardrobe/skin/hair/weight first.” Do it anyway.
- “I should have started when I was younger; I’m too old now.” Do it anyway.
- “I don’t have the qualifications yet, and now it feels too late.” Do it anyway.
- “I have children now, so I’ll have to wait until they’re older.” Do it anyway.
- “I’ve spoken about it, but no one gets it.” Do it anyway.
- “No one will give me a chance.” Do it anyway.
- “I need to wait until I feel ready.” Do it anyway.
Trusting God’s Guidance
If you need further convincing, consider this: Even if you begin on a path the Lord didn’t intend for you, He will guide you back. The Lord weaves the story of your life, using your mistakes and missteps to bring about His good plans and purposes.
If your heart is right, and you believe the Lord is calling you to pursue a dream, passion, or to use a gift, even if you make a mistake—it doesn’t matter.
I used to think, “What if I get it wrong and waste all that time and energy?” A friend reminded me of something I’ve often told others: Nothing is wasted in the Lord. He can use all of our life—mistakes and all—for His glory.
The real mistake is doing nothing.
Perhaps that’s the enemy’s plan – to stop us from doing the very things we were created for, to hinder the Creator’s work through our lives.
My Purpose
One thing the Lord has called me to do, which I avoided for too many years, is to take the hand of God’s people – to encourage, build up, equip, challenge, and champion them to live their lives FULLY. I now do this through my coaching, blog posts, and online content.
I began by obeying that small internal desire to write and started writing blog posts, albeit fearfully. Over the years, the Lord has grown and shaped me, enabling me to do much more.
Discovering Your Purpose
Maybe you’re struggling to uncover what you’re called to do or need clarity. Here are some questions to help uncover the things the Lord has given you, through who He has created you to be. You might want to think over them or write down your answers in a notebook or journal:
- What brings you to life?
Think about activities or things you do, or causes that ignite your enthusiasm and bring you joy. Often, our passions align with the purposes God has placed within us. - What talents has God entrusted to you?
Recognise the skills and abilities you already have. These gifts are tools God provides to fulfil His calling in your life. - Where can you best serve and express God’s love to others?
Consider the places or situations where you can most effectively serve and express God’s love to others. - Does this path align with God’s character and teaching?
Ensure that the direction you’re feeling drawn to is consistent with Scripture and reflects the heart and character of God. - Have trusted people affirmed this direction in your life?
Seek confirmation from a trusted friend, mentor, or church leader who can provide insight into what you’re called to do. - What burdens your heart deeply?
Pay attention to the issues or needs that deeply move you. God often uses these deeply felt burdens to point us toward the purpose He has for us. - How has your life story shaped you?
Look back over your experiences – both the joyful and the painful. Often, the very places where we’ve struggled or grown the most are where we’re best positioned to help others. God doesn’t waste a thing. - What do others come to you for?
Do people often ask for your advice, your listening ear, your creativity, or practical help? Sometimes others see our gifts more clearly than we do. - What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
That question might feel scary, but it can reveal what you truly long for. If fear weren’t in the way, where would you run? What would you create, build, say, start, or restore? - What has God whispered to your heart, time and time again?
Maybe it’s something that keeps coming up in prayer or in your quiet moments with God. That recurring nudge might be more than a passing thought – it could be an invitation.
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You don’t need a five-year plan, a website, or a fully mapped-out vision. Sometimes, all you need is to take the first step in faith and trust that God will meet you there. He delights in our willingness, not our perfection.
Whatever the excuse has been – whatever fear, lie, or limitation you’ve believed, lay it down.
It’s not about you and what you are capable of. It’s all about your willingness to let the Lord work through you. You don’t have to look beyond the New Testament to see how the Lord can do impossible things through ordinary people. Why not you?
Do it anyway. Start small. Begin with what’s in your hand.
The world doesn’t need more polished perfection. It needs real, obedient hearts willing to show up.
And more than anything, you need to know something: You were made for this.
You were made to live boldly and freely in the purpose God planted in you. It’s not too late. You haven’t missed it. And you’re not too much, or not enough.
So let this be your gentle but firm nudge today: No more waiting. No more excuses. Do it anyway.
Before you go: I want to give you a free resource that will help you to make gentle steps forward and just START.
Thank you for taking time to let me encourage and challenge you. You are not on this journey alone, our faithful God sends friends to travel the road alongside us.
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See you soon friend!
Carrie x
Carrie Baker - The Growth Collective 
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