Notes from this week's podcast: Jo & Sydney on following God: Is it simple? Satisfying? Both?

Jo begins...

We know a lot of things but we're not doing them because we don't have wisdom. Wisdom is when we know what to do and we do it. 

Many times you may have to go it alone. Many times, others may not come along with you or behind you. But if it's God, God's got it. You go with Him because you don't want to miss Him. 

I always found in my life that the closer I got to God, the fewer it got out there. And that's ok. That's a good place to be. Because now you're leaning in so close to God that He's the one you hear. And you're listening to the point that you're obeying. In that obedience, there is such blessing. And that is success. 

Sydney: We've talked about that sacrifice. I do think you lay some things down. What's our choice when God puts something in front of you? 

Our success is finding the purpose God has for you. 

If you feel God working in your heart -- something's going on, He's grabbing you -- talk to godly council about it, find buddies that you can trust and pray for you. 

Jo: If you know God, He is going to put such parameters around you to protect you. Lean in to God's heart. Listen to what God is saying to our heart. And whatever He's saying, we can trust God. It may not look like the world. God's got it. 

Sydney: There's not a more satisfying place to be. . . and simple. Day by day, walking with the Lord, next right step 

Jo: It's not just simple, it's satisfying. He's the one that created you. He's the one that made your family. He's the one that's got this. He knows the road He's taking you down. Just lean in and go with Him and trust Him. 

As you obey God, in your home and in your family and love Him, He just walks you right into the midst of your purpose. 

Sydney: The devil loves to use comparison. 

Jo: How can we stay contented?

Sydney: God's truth has to guide me -- not just knowing but truly believing. Clinging to God's Word ha brought contentment in Christ and when we're content in Him, I think the striving and comparison, the craving what everyone else has ceases as you gain confidence where God has you.

What gifts has He give you? It's different for everybody. 

In the body of Christ, as God's gifted us, the competition can cease. You can be content with where God's gifted you. Have the wisdom to know no one's got it all. We're all day by day leaning on the Lord. Perfection is not out there. Instead strive to say: I just want to know You, Lord. That's what I'm after. All that other stuff becomes not as appealing -- the things of this world grow strangely dim. I've experienced freedom in contentment where God has me. Put up your blinders. 

As the body of Christ, as we do that, what a beautiful picture, to walk in your strengths and to encourage and celebrate, especially women, their successes and their strengths. 

Jo: And when you're truly celebrating them, out of pure heart, this is how God can enlarge your circle. Be intentional to celebrate other people and lift them up. Your contentment isn't dependent on them. It's about your relationship with God.

Stay in your lane. Don't try to get in someone else's lane. You can cheer them on. Stay in your lane. Be content where you are. Praise God in the midst of it. Know that you're on the road to something good. That's your lane. That's your purpose. There's no competition in that.

Sydney: Ask for discernment. He'll give it -- for your children, family, grandchildren. What is that next step from God?

Jo: What is the Holy Spirit saying to you? Telling you to do? Leading you? It may be to be content where you are. It may be that you're in the midst of discontentment and you're not sure what God wants to do in your life. Lean in and listen to the Holy Spirit. When you're clear what the Holy Spirit says, ask for grace to do it.

(Sometimes you have to guard your heart by who you share that with. You don't want God's purpose to be snatched for your life.)

Sydney: Keep at it. Small step of obedience, even when it's hard, when it doesn't feel convenient.

When we mess up, fall on your face, it's ok. Ask God for help. Ask daily for wisdom. It's ok to be weak.

Keep our eyes on the Lord with Him at our right hand. We won't be shaken. He's safe. He's a shield.

Scripture for further study: James 3:16; Proverbs 14:30; Psalm 16:8-9,11; Proverbs 2:7