As a contributor to “liftupyourday.com”, this article first appeared on December 28, 2015.

The new year is starting whether you’ve got a plan for great things or just living on prayer that it won’t be like the last one.

My prayer is that discover the potential God placed under your fingertips and reach for what you haven’t tapped into yet.

You may have climbed the ladder in 2015, but the gifts you were given last season aren’t the same as what’s coming to you in the next. You were designed to grow into new opportunities and talents over time. So although you may be satisfied with where you are, God has new levels for you beyond this point.

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” – Frederick Buechner

You may have to give up contentment to get a little uncomfortable so that God can cultivate his gifting. As long as you keep honoring God and developing your talent, the oil that belongs to you will not flow to anybody else. God will get you to where you are supposed to be.

David spent his days in the shepherd’s field slinging stones with the sheep until a moment came when God put this small, seemingly useless hobby to work defeating a giant. This victory let David to the throne of Israel. (1 Samuel 16 – 17)

Maybe you know what God wants you to do but your talent has gone dormant because you haven’t been disciplined to develop it any further. You might be stuck in an overwhelmed schedule or intimidated by fear that you’re not good enough. Doubt that you’ll be able to stick with it and end up reverting back to your routine after a while.

Failure says ‘what if… what if… what if…’

Faith says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” (Psalm 23:6)

Sometimes we see heroes of faith and think they have it all figured out. But God asks us to do things afraid so that we will lean into Him on faith. If we had all the confidence, courage and strength to do it on your own, we wouldn’t run to Him as the source.

The Father’s gifts were never meant to pressure you. When you’re tempted to ‘wait for the perfect time’ to get out of your comfort zone, lean into the resistance and remind yourself this is an excuse. There is no perfect time. Daring to take the first step is difficult for a reason. Pressing against resistance makes you grow.

God has invested gifts in you and He’s expecting a return on that investment. Like the servants with the master’s money, God is looking for the willing to carry out his plan. (Matthew 25:14-30)

Keep using what God is giving to you and He’ll continue to pour out more through you.

So start the stirring now by praying for this dwelling passion to grow. Stretch your imagination and reframe those intimidations into inspiration. It’s time to turn down the distractions, stop discounting this gift and get focused. It’s time to fan the flame of your blessing.

God has a hedge of protection around you and your future that cannot be penetrated without permission. You don’t have to live worried.

Heavenly Father, develop in us this gift with your grace, your favor, your wisdom, and your strength. Stir up a storm of passion for your blessing and equip us with the courage to get out of our comfort zone this year. To You be all the glory and honor as your work is being revealed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.