Exactly one year ago today I packed up my car, and left my little beach town, stepping out in faith as I uprooted and moved to Texas. I remember so vividly the day I heard God telling me it was time to move, though I didn’t know where at the time, or what I was going to do when I got wherever “there” was. And I didn’t understand then, all that I do now. I mean, I had a good job, a great support system — so, why would I need to move? I’d just recently left a toxic relationship a few months before, and I was ready for whatever God had for me (or so I thought).  When I finally made the decision to surrender my plans for His (after many tears, a little bit of fighting back.. okay maybe a lot, and countless signs from Him), this door opened up almost immediately, and I knew where I had to go. I left my job, all of my family in Florida, my friends, my church, my comfort, to embark on this journey. I prayed that God would open up doors for me in ministry, in music, in business, and in personal growth as I followed Him. In those months leading up to my move, I heard God reveal the verse Ephesians 3:20 to me over and over again. And, as our God does, He has blessed me exceedingly, and abundantly beyond anything that I could’ve thought or imagined.

365 days later, I am writing this after leading worship for two services, one of which was my very first time leading as a solo vocalist at a friend’s church. 365 days later I am blessed to watch hungry hearts run to the alter week after week, surrendering their hearts to our King as I pour mine out before Him. 365 days later, I look at TheHiddenPromise.com,  a seed that God planted in my heart so long ago, but continued to prune me, molding my heart until His promise was ready to be revealed. 365 days later, I reflect on some of the most genuine friends I’ve made here; the kind of friends who push you to greatness, the kind of friends who pray over you, the kind of friends who speak life into you and nurture your spirit. I reflect on my relationship with D; a relationship that not only honors and respects me, but honors God and draws me nearer to Him. A relationship that constantly leaves me wondering where God had kept him all my life — and the truth is, it wasn’t until this move, that I was ready for it.

This morning, the Lord woke me up and told me, “You were created for such a time as this”. One year later, and I understand why I felt that initial pull to move. Why it had to be in the exact timing that it was. Why I’d had so many dreams and visions of leading God’s people in worship, even though the only time my voice was heard back then was in the car or the shower (you’re welcome fam, lol). You know something? In both services I attended today (two different churches, two pastors, two completely different messages) the same exact verse came up.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:8-9

His plans were so much greater than I could fathom. All He needed from me was the obedience in taking that first step — all He needed was my surrender, my “Yes”, and my heart to trust that even though I couldn’t see where we were going, I knew He would provide.

One year has gone by, and I know now, this is only the beginning. And if there’s anything that I can tell you as I reflect on this year, it is this: God wants your WHOLE heart. He wants to be your plan A, your plan B, and your complete power source. You have NO idea what He has in store for you, but it takes your unwavering faith as He draws you deeper into your purpose. So, say yes. Take that step. Move to that city. Leave that toxic relationship. Get out of your comfort zone. Seek Him in the silent seasons, and trust that sometimes, preparation requires isolation. Spend time in His presence, and listen to the signs that He’s been giving you. And if you need one? This is it. Here is your sign. The time is now, and I promise you, it is so, so worth it.