You Were Made for More Than Survival

Have you ever looked at your life and thought, "There has to be more than this"?

Not in an ungrateful way, not because you're failing, but because something deep in your spirit knows: You were made for more than just surviving.

More than the bills.

More than the endless to-do list.

More than the quiet ache you carry between responsibilities, wondering if your dreams expired while you were busy holding everything together.

I've been there.

Trying to balance the weight of motherhood, the demands of everyday life — all while grieving the loss of my husband. There were days I looked in the mirror and asked, Where is Deborah?

I spent years doing everything I could to keep us afloat — saying yes to opportunities that weren't aligned, chasing income through ventures that cost more than they paid.

One of those was affiliate marketing — not because the model doesn't work, but because I was promoting the wrong things… things that didn't light me up or serve the people I truly felt called to reach.

It left me tired, disconnected, stretched thin, and spiritually dry.

I felt like I wasn't building something meaningful.

I was just surviving.

Let me say this as clearly as I can:

God did not create you to live in a state of constant survival.

Yes, there are seasons where just getting through the day is an act of courage.

Yes, there are times when being faithful looks like simply showing up.

But that's not the whole story.

There is more.

You were made for it.

Survival Is Not Your Final Destination

God may have allowed you to walk through a survival season —

But He never meant for you to live there.

You are not just a mother.

You are not just a caretaker, a wife, a widow, an employee, or a woman doing her best with what's left.

You are a builder.

A co-creator.

A vessel of purpose with a voice, a message, and a mission.

Even if you feel tired.

Even if you feel behind.

Even if you've tried before and "failed."

You are still called.

And here's the good news:

God doesn't start stories He doesn't intend to finish.

What He planted in you is still alive — maybe buried beneath burnout and busyness — but alive nonetheless.

You were made for more than the daily grind.

You were made to shine.

Not in a loud, spotlight way — but in the way only you can.

In the quiet strength of your story.

In the beauty of your faith.

In the light you bring to others, even when you're tired.

I know how that feels — to sense you were created for more, but still wonder if you've missed your moment.

When the Whisper of More Becomes a Roar

For a long time, I couldn't see it for myself.

The sheer exhaustion of just getting by — carrying it all after my husband died, trying to make ends meet while raising my daughter and chasing a dream that didn't quite fit — left me depleted.

There were nights I'd lie in bed after my daughter was asleep and whisper through the tears, "Is there more to life than this?"

At first, I ignored the voice.

But soon, it became too loud to drown out.

Still, I didn't know what to do or where to begin — so I did the only thing I knew how: I turned to Prayer. I asked God for guidance, for inspiration, for something more than survival. Believe me when I tell you I prayed a lot!

And somewhere in the quiet, God answered.

A seed was planted.

A small idea.

A tiny flicker of purpose.

It didn't come with trumpets or a booming voice from heaven.

It came gently — through confirmations, through unexpected encouragement, through an inner peace that settled in every time I leaned toward that new direction.

That seed?

It became Faith + Funnels.

A blog.

A business.

A calling.

A simple beginning.

And now I share it with you — not because I've "arrived," but because I've seen what happens when you stop surviving and start building with God.

Building from the Inside Out

You don't have to have all the answers to start.

But if there's a longing in you for more — more purpose, more peace, more joy in the work of your hands — it's not selfish.

It's sacred.

You were created on purpose, with purpose, for purpose.

And the gifts God placed in you?

They're not meant to sit on a shelf until "someday."

They're meant to be used — right here, right now — even in small, faithful steps.

Because this isn't just about business.

This is about obedience.

About creating a life that reflects the One who made you.

Where to Begin When You're Ready for More

If you're feeling that holy nudge — that whisper of "there's more for you than this"- but you don't know where to start, take heart.

You don't need a complete plan or to wait until it's all perfectly done.

You just need a faithful first step.

Let's explore five simple ways to empower you to begin:

1. Start with Prayer.

Ask God to reveal what's already planted in you. Often, your calling is hidden in what brings you joy, what breaks your heart, or what others come to you for.

2. Make space for your dream.

Even 15 minutes a day counts! Journaling, brainstorming, or simply being still can all be powerful acts of faith. Creating room is part of the preparation to finding your calling.

3. Listen to what lights you up.

God often speaks through our joy. What topic could you talk about for hours? What would you do for free? That passion is worth paying attention to.

4. Steward what's in your hands.

You don't need a big audience or fancy tech to begin. Use what you already have — your story, your faith, your willingness.

5. Take the next right step.

Clarity comes through movement, not waiting. Start writing. Start building. Start exploring. Just take the step in front of you — God's provision meets action.

You Were Made for More

You don't have to stay stuck in survival mode.

You don't have to build alone.

You are not behind.

And your dreams are not too late.

If you feel called to create income and impact from home — with purpose and faith — I wrote this post just for you:

👉 5 Online Income Ideas for Christian Women

It's a simple guide to help you explore aligned, faithful ways to begin.

And if you're anything like me, sometimes all it takes is seeing what's possible to believe it's possible for you, too.

If you're just beginning, you're not alone. I'm here to help you build with purpose and faith — so feel free to stay, explore, and make yourself at home.

Stay Blessed,

Deborah 💛

Mini Devotional

📖 Bible Verse:

"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."

— Isaiah 58:11

🌿 Reflection:

God doesn't call you to just get by.

He calls you to flourish.

Even in the dry seasons — especially in them — He is working behind the scenes to guide you, strengthen you, and plant something new.

You don't have to force fruit in your life.

You just have to stay rooted in Him and take the next faithful step.

🙏 Prayer:

Lord, I'm tired of just surviving.

I long to live with purpose, with peace, and with the fullness You promise.

Show me what You've planted in me. Give me courage to water the seed — even if I can't yet see the fruit.

Help me trust Your guidance, one step at a time.

And may everything I build reflect Your goodness and grace.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.