Like a skirt that is too tight. Like a jacket that’s too small. Like a tunnel with no end in sight. It’s like that. Restless to move.
Sitting in the hot sun staring at the sky, I explained my frustration in the only visual I could muster up to describe what I was feeling. I was like a horse in the starting box at the race track. I was in the stall, bit and bridal in my mouth, stamping the ground, eager to run wild and free. I could see the track and deep in my veins I was ready to be released, but the gates were closed.
She paused. Sighed. Then laughed gently. Bianca, we all feel restless when we are pursuing what God wants us to do. When you know what you’re called to do, there’s an urgency for people like us to fight like hell—or against hell—to get it done.
That was it. It was like the gates opened and I was released to run, wild and free. Every day there is a racetrack in front of me and I know I need to run. God has called me to to preach the gospel and share Jesus with the broken world. I’m to love my neighbor as I love myself, not as a politician, a lawyer, a doctor, or a preacher, but as a Child of God. Plain and simple.
But more and more I’m meeting people who feel restless in their season of life. Whether it’s identifying their calling, maintaining the calling, or pursuing their calling, there are seasons when the gates feel shut and the doors unopened. We are restless to run, desperate to be released to do what we were created to do.
The concept of being restless is something I’ve wrestled with all my life. But I don’t want my restlessness—and dare I say our restlessness—to distract from running the race set before each of us.
My friend Jennie Allen recently wrote a book that deals with this exact topic. In Restless she explores the fact that God has called each of us to do great things in his name, and then helps us discover what that might mean for each of us individually. Jennie says, We are called to dream but we’re afraid to. But because we are called, when we don’t act on it we become restless—restless to find purpose, to make a difference in the world, to matter.
I love that Jennie doesn’t suggest people add one more thing to their to-do list, but instead invites us to stop and listen where they are. I’m so excited about her book and even more excited to be able to give away FIVE copies of her book for FREE. So as we kick off 2014, why not have a great resource that can help get the year on track?
It’s simple. All you need to do is leave your name in the comment box to be entered to win. Jennie’s team will send the book directly to the five lucky winners! Easy peesy lemon squeezy.
Today is a race. Run hard. Run fast. Run even if you’re restless. Your restlessness may very well be a divine invitation to purpose, calling, and life. Run.
This is a message for us all to hear: we are purposed for where we are now. To lean into what nudges our hearts and into the hope we have, as risky and scary as it may feel, is to reflect our trust in God’s love for us and that He purposes all and isn’t a cruel God but a loving one who makes beauty out of the dark and confusing places. I pray we all lean into who we are right where we are and choose to loosen our grip of control and loosen ourselves to rest in Him. Amen.
I’d love to win – thanks for the opportunity!
Man OH man. I wish restless did not describe me right now…. alas. it does.
Sure would love love love to win a copy of the book!
*Fingers crossed* as I recite repeatedly in my head – favor ain’t fair, favor ain’t fair.
and then I realize most people that are reading this blog have the same favor I do… hmmm..
May the odds be ever in my favor! (in my best Effie voice) Maybe that’s what I will chant now. It’s advantageous to chant hunger games quotes right?
I loved Jennie’s book, Anything. I’m sure Restless will be just as wonderful, if not more.
-Jessica
Bianca,
Thank you for sharing your heart!
As an elementary teacher and youth worker I can totally relate with this message! Thanks:)
Thank you!
I am in a season of feeling restless right now. I would love a chance to win!
I would love to win! Looking at 2014 as a transformational year!
Brenda
Sounds like a perfect addition to my 2014 reading list! 🙂
Can not wait to read this book!
Jennie’s book Anything pretty much wrecked me. I preordered this one on my Kindle weeks ago. A hard copy, though, would be much easier for note-taking!
Will you be in Austin in February?
Change is coming – I feel in in here (pointing to heart) – mama’s instincts are usually right. Would love this book as a guide for the change.
Sounds like a great read!
Love this, Bianca! Your writing is so beautiful!!
I’ve been feeling restless for the majority of my life. feels like I don’t know which end is up, but I keep trying to move in a direction. some direction, hoping that it’s the one God wants me moving toward. sometimes it works, too many times it doesn’t. oy.
What a great message!
Really hoping to read Restless soon! The horse analogy is right on point…
Love the message! Thank you for the chance to win a free copy of Restless 🙂
Very excited to read this!!
I would love to win!
How awesome! Would love to win! I just texted a friend about it and would love to gift it to her.
Sharon Cruse
Pick me! Pick me! : )
I’m joining the student leadership team of the Christian Challenge at my university this semester and I think that this book would really help me!
-Katie
This is so on point! I am currently restless in refining and pursuing my calling.
Yay!! Would love a copy!! And be “released” to run wild and free
Good stuff
This sounds like an amazing book. Even if I don’t win, it will be my next purchase! Bianca, thank you for sharing this and Jennie thank you so much for your kind giveaway!
Message*
Great word!
I am dying to read this book!
This sounds like a fantastic read! i would love to get a copy of this book!
I would LOVE to win!
I want that book, B….I W.A.N.T. that book! 😉
I would absolutely love to have this in my life. How wonderful! Would make an excellent share with my family too. – Shelby Waltz
I’ve actually been in a dry season for the past few months and now have a lot of time to read/figure out God’s calling for me – just read “Anything” and would love to get my hands on “Restless.” 🙂 – Alexandria L.
I’m so excited to read Restless! Emily
I’d love to read this book 🙂
I’d love to win!! Thanks! 🙂
So excited to read this book!
Kristen Williams – I Would absolutely love to get my hands on this book! 🙂
Pick me! Pretty please! 🙂
ohh please I would love to read this! I need this in 2014.
Let’s see what God has planned!
I am so eager to read this book.
I can definitely identify with feeling restless, I’m encouraged, and eager to read what Jennie has to say.
Love this!!
I am in a season where I don’t know what my calling is. I’m not sure if I heard it and then ignored it because I was too scared or if I haven’t learned what my calling is yet. I am restless. I would like to win 🙂
Awesome!!!
Oooops ^ wrong email… This one is correct.