What if the very thing people criticize you for—or that you are hesitant about—is actually what God is calling you to?

I often speak about the goodness of God. It's a reality that opened up to us more and more, especially in the last year. We've experienced it in ways we never had before.

Along the way, we've shared some raw stories as they happened: the caravan incident, the near tragedy with our son, and the recent birthday provision for our 3yr old.

These were real moments where God's goodness was really evident — not something you can manufacture.

His goodness isn’t just a concept—it’s a reality waiting to be discovered.

Voices Lately

Lately, we noticed people undermining and opposing the message of God's goodness. Some calling it out of balance and that we’re downplaying hardship.

That’s not our experience. We’ve simply learned to overcome hardship with His goodness. It's not either/or.

"In this world you will have trouble (hardship) but be of good cheer (goodness), for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Hardship is real, but His goodness is greater.

However, their criticisms caused me to step back and question myself.

Am I missing it?

Am I overemphasizing God's goodness?

Am I being naive?

Truth and humility are things I deeply value, but sometimes I take questioning myself and criticism too far that it shuts me down.

That isn't humility—it's fear.

When doubt speaks louder than God’s voice, we lose sight of the path He’s called us to.

Since then, I felt heavy. The light and easy yoke of God's goodness seemed to vanish—not because God had left, but because I allowed the "cares of the world" (peoples criticism, especially those we deeply respect) to choke out the goodness He was working in us.

A Slap-Face Dream

Last night, I had an intense dream. Without going into all the details and the imagery, God gave me a firm and sobering exhortation: "keep pursuing this path and don't hesitate. I have been the One leading you here."

I had questioned my path, doubted myself, but He reassured me to trust Him because there is a purpose in it.

Doing what you see your Good Father doing often looks like foolishness—until the fruit appears.

As I’ve reflected and prayed this morning, I realize I need to mature even more. I also see that some people just won't understand your journey—and they don't have to.

Sometimes God won't tell anybody else what He's only telling you.

And it takes courage to walk that path, especially when others—even fellow Christians—call you out of balance, naive, or question your heart.

Hard, yes. But worth it.

5 Practicals To Walk It Out

1. Guard Your Focus: Pay attention to what you dwell on. If criticism, doubt, or fear starts clouding your mind, intentionally shift your focus back to God’s voice and His goodness. What you focus on grows—so focus on truth.

2. Filter Feedback Wisely: Not every opinion deserves your attention. Seek counsel from those who align with God’s heart, but don’t let the fear of man pull you off course. Discern the difference between correction and distraction.

3. Anchor Yourself in Scripture: When doubts arise, go back to the Word. Meditate on verses about God’s goodness and His faithfulness. Truth is your foundation when the storms of opinion come.

4. Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled Voices: Find people who encourage your journey and remind you of God’s faithfulness. Walking alone is hard—but walking with the right people strengthens your commitment.

5. Take the Next Step, Even Without Clarity: You don’t need all the answers to move forward. Trust God with the unknowns and take the step in front of you. Action precedes clarity.

Final Thoughts

I love sharing our journey and the lessons God is teaching us in real-time—simply to encourage others in a similar place.

If you’re fearful or worried about getting it wrong, chances are, your heart is in the right place. So relax, and stay on the path.

Sometimes the path God leads us on doesn’t make sense to our current understanding. But as we move forward, our understanding grows, the pieces fall into place, and we soon see His wisdom in it all.

You don’t always need clarity to follow His leading. Sometimes, you just need trust.

You don't always need others to understand your journey. You just need to rest in the One who's already prepared your journey.

And He is good.