Authentic Intentionality with Andrew Ripp
Finding yourself in God’s plan
For Andrew Ripp, singer and songwriter, being intentional is more about being authentic. When he sat down to talk with Family Life Radio, he said,
“If you’re authentic, that means you’ve stepped into the call on your life, which is the intention to love people with everything you’ve got, with every breath.”
In a world that praises performance and encourages constant striving, you might find yourself lost in the maze of people pleasing. Yet, it is never too late to begin a journey to explore and embrace the beauty of God-given authenticity. As Andrew pointed out, that is when you begin to understand your calling from God.
God’s Word says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:14 ESV). You are divinely designed. When you live authentically, you answer your divine call and love flows from you naturally and intentionally.
Andrew acknowledges this understanding of intentionality often comes with time and experience. He made sure to encourage gentleness,
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized you have to give your younger version of yourself some grace.”
In the rushing tide of young adulthood, the grasp on your identity might seem elusive. The world tells you to relentlessly chase success. In the race to ‘make it,’ you might feel compelled to keep kicking doors down without ever asking the One who created you, ‘Who has God made me to be?’
You should ask another question: not just ‘who you are,’ but also ‘whose you are.’ Andrew insightfully points out, “I think you figure out who you are when you recognize who you are in regard to your divine call.”
The Bible echoes this in Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you” (Jeremiah 1:5 ESV). As God’s creation, you are purposefully crafted with a divine call. Recognizing this is the first step toward understanding who you are.
To begin this journey, Andrew explained the answer lies in solitude and reflection. “For me,” he said, “quiet alone time sitting with God, even if there’s no praying and singing or reading brings me closer to who He made me to be.”
Today, with the incessant buzzing of notifications and the never-ending to-do lists, you might find it challenging to find a peaceful moment. Yet, in the stillness, you are presented with an opportunity to dive into God’s Word and connect with His Holy Spirit like no other time during your day. These quiet moments are never wasted; they are precious intervals that lead to a profound understanding of who you are in Christ as He leads you to do what He has for you.
Authenticity and intentionality are deeply intertwined with God’s call on your life. To discover who you are, give yourself permission to pause, reflect and engage with your Creator and His Word. Be honest and ask questions. As you understand not just ‘who’ but ‘whose’ you are, you step into your divine calling, embracing a life marked by His plans and purposes for you. Your journey is not just about finding yourself, but also about acknowledging God, the Divine Artist, who fearfully and wonderfully crafted you in His image.
Each phase of life offers unique opportunities for growth and learning. Andrew looked back on his life and now explains, “Twenty-four-year-old me didn’t really know who he was yet. Most 24-year-olds don’t know who they are.” No matter where you are on your journey, from the energetic stride of your 20s or the reflective gaze of your 60’s, offer yourself grace. Learning and growing are lifetime pursuits, not tasks to be ticked off a checklist.
Your journey is not a one-time event but a life-long process. Sometimes, it involves waiting, questioning and even wrestling with doubt. At other times, it involves clarity, affirmation and joy. Amidst all these experiences, the guiding thread is your growing relationship with God. As you draw closer to Him, you begin to understand more about your authentic person and His plans for you.
On your pursuit of discovery, the path may not always be clear or easy. There may be times of uncertainty, confusion and even frustration. But in those moments, recall the wisdom of Andrew’s wife, who shared a profound truth during a time of waiting: “Just because there’s nothing on your schedule, doesn’t mean it’s not full.”
Even in times of quiet and stillness, you are not idle.
You are investing in the most significant journey you will ever embark on – the journey of discovering who God made you to be. As you engage with God, your Creator, you are stepping into the fullness of who you are meant to be.
Inline image from Jeno
As you navigate along this path, remember the wisdom Andrew offered — Scripture’s assurance, and the divine whisper of God’s Holy Spirit within your heart. For it is through authenticity and intentionality that you step into your divine call, loving people with every breath and living a life marked by meaningful and divine purpose.
So, take the next step. Embrace the journey, walk in authenticity and answer your divine call with intentionality. This is not just the path to understanding, but the path to a purposeful and fulfilling life. Jesus came that you may have abundant life (John 10:10 ESV). Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made; your authenticity is your gift to the world, and God’s call on your life is your purposeful destiny.
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