Britney Spears’ song ‘I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman’ sums up how I feel at times. I’m no longer a student, I haven’t been for some time and the search for a “grown up”, full time job has been my pursuit. I am nowhere near being a wife nor a mother. It’s a time that can come with many frustrations, it can feel as though you’ve been waiting for so long to “get there”. Where exactly is that? I’m not sure and I’m discovering Miley may have been right, it really is all about the climb. Purpose can seem to manifest itself more clearly when roles are defined. Like when you’re a student, a mother, a child, a worker bee, but when you’re in the in-between, life isn’t defined as clearly.

This is a time of pursuit and a time of gathering. One can feel lost during this time, but here’s what’s awesome, God never aims for confusion to be our center, but rather for us to be grounded in His peace. Comparison prowls up, many around you will be flourishing and gaining traction while you yourself feel as if you moved an inch. This comparison can make us feel as if we are not good enough, and in turn leave us down trodden and in despair. Bob Goff presents us with this thought, “We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose”. What is your purpose during this season? What is it that you feel God is telling you to focus on during this time? While our personal goals may differ in the in-between, and where we want to get to is different, the refining process may look the same.

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” 2 Timothy 2.3-4, ESV.

As we ask ourselves the questions of, “Where do I want to be?”, “What is that I really want?”, “Where does God want me?”, it’s okay not to know. However it’s a good thing to seek God and write out all of your heart’s desires. It’s a time to pursue the plans and dreams that are in your heart. And it’s also a time of gathering. Gathering community, support. Gathering skills and habits. Gathering our trust in Jesus and deepening our relationship with Him. You have the time, why not be more acquainted with your best friend. I want you to know, right here and right now, that God uses everything! He uses all the talents you have, all the quirks. He uses things you learned from all those odd jobs. Don’t think that anything you go through won’t be used for His glory. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”. Romans 8.28, English Standard Version. There’s no rush to life, being in the in-between should be marvelous, not taken in vain or spite. It’s exciting that life is not planned, but rather it unfolds as we grow. I’m excited for you. God is going to continue to reveal His heart for you everyday. Lean into Him, He won’t disappoint you.

So darling take your time, savor it. It’s not forever that you will be in-between, there will be a time when you’ll be so busy in a few roles of life, the in-between will feel as a safe haven you long to return to. Chart out your lists of wants, meet with God about them and then get excited girl, because life is about take off like you’ve never expected.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Purpose in Between