Sipping on Jesus Juice: Making the Most of What You Have
So, yes, I'm a Christian who likes to drink. I always point towards apostle Paul encouraging Timothy to take a sip every now and again (1 Timothy 5:23, you’re welcome). I, too, have a few ailments, so if it was good enough for the apostles, it’s good enough for me. I really enjoy trying new cocktails, finding hidden speakeasies, and making specialty concoctions at home. It's so fun, especially if there's gin involved!
Recently, on a trip to see my dad, who also enjoys a good drink, I was challenged in my cocktail-making abilities. His stash was kinda low, which was unusual for us. We usually have every possible alcoholic option on hand. It's hereditary, apparently.
So, my creativity, one of my values, was forcibly stretched. I had to consider what to use and how to use it. I made things from scratch, like my signature simple syrup, rummaged through cabinets for ingredients they never use (hello, sparkling wine), and stretched beyond my very limited cocktail enthusiast and bartender abilities.
I gave myself permission to create and fail. Not everything tasted good, was balanced, or really hit the spot. I messed up. Royally. I created things that were absolute trash. But some things I crested were evident strokes of genius.
I made things I wouldn't have considered with combinations that made no sense until you tasted them. I made things that my subconscious subtly nudged me towards that made absolutely no sense. However, I listened. I tried. I failed. I succeeded. I learned. I grew. I was myself in a moment that felt pressure-filled (my dad can be demanding 🤣😅) and made an impact.
Sometimes, I think that's all God wants us to do. He wants us to use what's available and what He's given to us and make the most of it. We're sometimes meant to just obey and do the work, even when it doesn't make sense, or it feels like God left us hanging in the resource department. Sometimes, we're meant to combine our Christian faith, our weirdness/authenticity, our experience, and our training to help someone else.
Sometimes, we're meant to endure uncomfortable moments to create something beautiful. Sometimes, we're meant to stick out a relationship to learn and grow so that we can better serve one another. Sometimes, the concoctions are just a step in obedience toward becoming who we are meant to be.
It doesn't always make sense. We're going to get it wrong. We're going to fuck up (yes, I'm a Christian who curses sometimes, report me, throw the first stone, whatever -- Work in progress here). However, I know who we serve. I know we all have a God-given purpose. And I know I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
So, while I write this blog post with a cocktail in hand… I wonder… are you using what's been given to you? Are you stretching? Are you obeying? Are you working toward your purpose? Are you using your gifts? Are you honoring your values?
If yes. You're awesome! God sees you; you're doing great!
If not… what's really holding you back? You've got everything you need to make an impact and do what God's called you to do.
God doesn't want us to have everything perfectly planned out; He wants us to trust Him, use our gifts, and step out in faith—even when things don't make sense.
Here’s where I like to start:
Embrace Creativity: Give yourself permission to try new things, even if you fail. Creativity is a gift from God, meant to be explored and developed. Just like experimenting with new cocktail recipes, step out of your comfort zone and embrace the process.
Use What You Have: Look at your resources and talents. Sometimes, the best creations come from making the most of what's available. Like rummaging through cabinets for hidden ingredients, make the most of what God has already given you.
Stay Connected with God: Keep God at the center of all your endeavors. Pray for guidance, seek His presence, and listen to His nudges.
Obey and Trust: When God directs you to prioritize a specific project or path, trust His plan and follow through, even if it doesn't make sense at the time. Just like trusting a unique combination of ingredients, have faith that God knows what He’s doing.
Seek Support: Don't do it alone. Surround yourself with mentors, coaches, and a supportive community that can provide encouragement and accountability.
Reflect and Adjust: Regularly take time to reflect on your progress, learn from your mistakes, and adjust your approach as needed.
Cocktails are kinda finicky. You have to plan and get it just right to land how you want it to. God has a plan for us, just like a master mixologist. He'll give us a chance and right our wrongs, but He has an exact plan. We see it all throughout the Bible—all those names and measurements—he is a calculating and specific God. We also have many things at our disposal, from support to gifts, to make the impact we’re called to make. Sometimes, the best creations come from stepping out, mixing things up, and trusting the process.
If you're missing the mark and not doing what you're meant to do, there could be something deeper in the way. Let's work together to blend your unique talents and faith into a masterpiece. Book a complimentary discovery session with Full Out Coaching today to explore how we can support you in navigating these challenges, staying authentic, and leading with integrity.
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