Alignment: Let Your Story Unfold In God's Perfect Time

Discover why slowing down and trusting God’s timing is the first step to every God-authored story.

I love the fresh start of a new year, the feeling of starting a new adventure, and the opportunity to have a clear view of the twelve months ahead.

It's also why, every January, we participate in a corporate fast at our church. For 21 days we sacrifice something we enjoy (food, social media, spending, etc.) to focus our time and attention on hearing from God. During this time, I pray and ask for direction on how to move forward in one area of my life, leadership, or business.

This year we studied the names of God. It was amazing to see the name for the day align exactly with what I needed for encouragement in the moment. It was a beautiful expression of how God loves, protects, provides, fights for, calms, and covers us.

The fast made clear we are not here to figure it out by ourselves--no matter what "it" is for us. God is with us in everything, every step of the way.

It also reinforced that change starts with being honest about where you are, setting one goal, and being intentional about achieving it.

It was amazing how removing distractions allowed me to see more clearly. I was able to understand the surface level of what I was praying about, but God also led me to the root of where change needed to happen.

At times it felt like I was moving slowly, or that the devil was truly busy (he was out "seeking whom he may to devour"... and it felt like he picked me as his favorite 😅). But I paused and told myself:

 "If you are committing to God, and removing things that are fighting for His spot in your life, you know the devil is going to come. Don't be suprised; be prepared. Trust that God will help you fight--and win."

God comforted me in knowing He is more concerned with us taking time to hear from Him, and be in alignment with His Will, than He is with the speed with which we reach a certain goal. The outcome will come if we are obedient.

As the fast came to a close this Sunday, I took time to reflect. What I said in disappointment had not been a "successful fast", was put into clear view.

I kept my commitment.

I got real about what needed to change.

I trusted God to help me with the area I surrendered.

I saw God bring clarity to places where confusion had lingered.

I trusted God as I made one step each day in the direction He was leading.

I saw God open doors I hadn't anticipated and give me strength to keep going.

The fast wasn't about success or achievement. It was about surrender.

It required resisting the urge to rush, and allowing God the space and time to bring things into focus I needed to see. It was a call to let God order the year in the way He sees fit.

What a gift to take into the new year.  

How are you feeling about the year so far? On top of the world? Making steady progress? Feeling a bit behind the pace of the year?

I want to invite you to release any sense of false urgency or need to run at someone else's pace. The new program launches, cohorts, and events you see are happening on the time best for them. There is no need for you to rush. Trust God's timing in your life, leadership, and business. Give Him room to order your steps.

This year is not about speed; this year is about being in alignment.

Alignment is the first step to every God-authored story.

You are not behind. You're starting a new adventure.

Let it unfold in God's Perfect Time.

_______________________

As always, I'm here and ready to support you in creating the business and leadership strategy you need to live & lead well. Let’s turn those goals, prayers, and dreams into something tangible this year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lorin R. Carter

The Corporate Consultant

P.S. I am sharing a Prayer for Christian Entrepreneurs with you. It’s my hope for you as God empowers you to build, steward, and lead this year. I'm sharing it on the blog so you can return to it as often as you need to this year.

P.P.S. If you’re looking for a simple way to move from prayer and clarity into intentional action this year, the Pray Plan Profit Planner was created for that exact purpose—helping you align with God first, then plan with wisdom, and steward what He’s building through you with intention.