Step Out with Jonathan A. Merritt

The desire to find our purpose and calling in life happens at different stages of our lives. For those in their 20’s it is trying to figure out what to do for a career. For those in their 30’s and 40’s it can be an evaluation if they are doing the right thing with their life and for those in their 50’s and beyond it might be trying to figure out how to leave their legacy. Metro Detroit entrepreneur and pastor Jonathan A. Merritt recently wrote Step Out! Leave Your Imprint on the Worldto help individuals in search of purpose and fulfillment. Merritt walks readers through the steps necessary to overcome fear and live a purposeful life.

In his first literary venture, Merritt shares his eye-opening, life-altering testimony, causing him to take his own personal step out in faith. Through spiritual and practical application, Merritt shares the importance of faith and pressing past life’s circumstances and challenges. This guide serves as a resource for all walks of life, encouraging people to leave their own personal imprint on the world around them.

Merritt shares how he writes the book form personal experience.

“This book is really near and dear to my heart because I can truly say that I lived every aspect of what I am sharing in ‘Step Out.’ No matter what life presents, I want readers to know that you have a story to tell and someone is waiting on you to make your imprint on this world. No matter what situation or circumstance you are facing, if you simply trust God and step out on faith, there is nothing you cannot accomplish.”

Believing faith to be the key to every aspect of his life, Merrittknew from a young age that he would make his own personal mark on the world around him. Coming from a long legacy of service and faith as the son of megachurch Pastor, Bishop Andrew Merritt, Jonathan serves alongside his parents and brother David Merritt as Associate Pastor at Straight Gate International Church in Detroit, Michigan.

Beyond writing and preaching, the husband and devoted father of three (soon to be four) has made his mark in the community with the opening of Narrow Way Cafe. As a Motor City Match grant winner, Merritt and his team at Narrow Way strive to impact lives around them daily simply by providing great coffee and conversations while sharing the love of God.

Merritt also serves as a dedicated board member of Give Merit, a non-profit arm of Merit Goodness, Inc., which is committed to helping provide young people with the resources and opportunities to embrace education through its four-year, cohort-based program for high school students in northwest Detroit.

 ^“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

Risen Reflections

Find your calling. Take time this month to figure out the unique calling God has placed on your life. Don’t get overwhelmed. You don’t have to figure out the rest of your life. Often, God shows us what we need to be doing for a certain season. Sometimes it can be helpful to take a spiritual gifts test. Some churches even offer classes that can help you identify the gifts and talents God has given you. Identifying your gifts and talents can help you figure out your calling and purpose. Sometimes it can be helpful to take a day or weekend away to pray and focus on the calling God has for you.

Step out in faith. Often following the calling God has placed on our lives will require faith. Take time this week to read through Hebrews 13. If you have time read through the stories referenced in that chapter. Reflect on each of those people’s circumstances and the faith required to do what God had called them to do. Pray and ask God to give you the faith and courage needed to do what He has called you to do. Find a friend, small group or pastor that can pray for you along your journey. Remember there will be people that criticize and question you. Ask God to give you grace and a way to respond to them.

Leave your mark. God wants each of us to impact others for His Kingdom. He has given each of us time, talent and treasure to do just that. Take inventory this week of how you are using those things to impact those around you for Christ. Pray and ask God if there are people in your class, at work or in your neighborhood that He wants you to share Christ with or invite them to church or an outreach event. God might want you to share your testimony or even start a specific ministry. Remember not to get caught up in the comparison trap. Instead, stay focused on what God has called you to do so that you can leave your mark for eternity.

For more information about Jonathan A. Merritt, visit  http://jonathanamerritt.com.