Trusting the Source of Inspiration

Trusting the Source: Discerning When an Idea Is from God or from You

Every morning, before I open my inbox or dive into the day’s work, I sit at my desk and read Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson. It’s a ritual that centers me in truth before the noise begins.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”

Those words remind me that God created us for influence—for light. But leading from light takes trust. And for leaders, trust is tested not in grand moments, but in the small, daily decisions that quietly shape the culture, direction, and integrity of everything we touch.

Still, I often find myself asking: Is this idea truly from God, or is it just me—my ambition, my creativity, my need to move forward?

That tension is where leadership lives: between vision and discernment.

Where Ideas Come From

Ideas are the leader’s currency. Every day brings new ones—some inspired, some reactive, all demanding attention. Over time, I’ve noticed they come from three places:

• Creativity. God wired us to imagine. Leaders need imagination—it’s what drives innovation. But creative energy alone can also lead us off-course if we move faster than we listen.

• The World Around Us. The market, the team, the trends—all speak loudly. These ideas can be smart and strategic, but they’re not always ours to pursue. Sometimes they’re distractions dressed as opportunities.

• The Spirit. Then there are the ideas that feel different—quiet but persistent, uncomfortable yet peaceful. They don’t shout; they sit. They align with truth and point us toward serving others over self. These are the ideas that carry God’s fingerprint.

The Daily Discernment of Leadership

Someone once told me,

“God doesn’t give you an idea without equipping you to accomplish His plan. But if you let fear hold you back, He’ll find someone else who will.”

That line redefined trust for me. It isn’t blind optimism; it’s daily discernment in motion.

When I sense a new direction or opportunity, I pause and ask:

• Does this align with God’s truth and the mission I’ve been given?

• Does it bring peace, even in uncertainty?

• Is this a moment to lead boldly or to wait patiently?

• Will this serve others or just satisfy my ego?

Leaders don’t just manage tasks—they steward influence. Every “yes” shapes the future. Every “no” protects what matters most.

Trust becomes the filter. It keeps us from chasing every spark and helps us recognize the one that’s truly divine.

Leading with Trust

Discerning God’s direction isn’t a one-time revelation; it’s a daily rhythm. Some mornings it’s clear. Others, it feels like a whisper in the noise. That’s why grounding practices—prayer, Scripture, reflection, stillness—aren’t luxuries for leaders. They’re tools of alignment.

The longer I lead, the more I see that the best decisions aren’t always the boldest ones—they’re the ones rooted in peace, purpose, and trust.

Because leadership isn’t about doing everything right. It’s about walking closely enough with God to recognize when an idea is His, and having the courage to act—or wait—accordingly.

The Courage to Trust the Source

Each morning when I read Our Deepest Fear, I’m reminded that leadership is not about playing small. It’s about standing in the light God placed within us and trusting Him to guide how that light shines.

Maybe the idea in front of you today is from Him. Maybe it’s not. Either way, your job isn’t to rush—it’s to listen.

So take a moment. Breathe.
Ask yourself what ideas have been stirring in your heart lately.

Which ones bring peace instead of striving?
Which ones feel too big for you alone, yet impossible to ignore?

Imagine what could unfold if you trusted the Source—and took just one small step forward today.