Moana 2: Finding purpose beyond the familiar

With Moana 2 out now, Naomi Blowers encourages us to keep moving forward.

This month has seen Moana of Motunui return to cinemas in Moana 2. Set three years after the first film, the sequel follows her as she heads into unknown waters while growing as a leader of her community.

Watching Moana 2 felt like a reminder of my own journey with God. Just like Moana, I feel that inner pull to step beyond what is familiar, trusting even when the path isn’t always clear.

With God, that adventure never ends. Saying yes to a calling is just the beginning of something bigger. There are moments of clarity and there are times when everything feels uncertain. How do we, as followers of Jesus, keep moving forward when we don’t have all the answers? How do we press on when the way forward requires more patience and perseverance than expected? What do we do when the excitement of the initial call fades, and all that’s left is the quiet act of trusting God’s direction?

Moana’s journey isn’t just about discovering who she is, but deepening her understanding of her purpose. Our walk with God is similar, as we constantly uncover new layers of who we are and what we’re called to do. How often do we forget that growth is a process – that, with each new season, we’re invited to trust God in deeper ways? What if we started seeing struggles not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth?

As Moana’s journey evolves, it also reminds us that what we experience isn’t just for us; it’s meant to impact others, to leave a legacy of wisdom, hope and faith. How can we pass on what we’ve learnt to those around us? How can we encourage others to be part of the story God is writing?

Where are you in your journey with God? You might be contemplating saying yes to God, feeling the fear that, once you commit, your journey is over. But saying yes is just the start of something deeper and more fulfilling. It’s a lifelong adventure, filled with the constant discovery of who God created you to be.

You might be re-exploring your faith after stepping away or neglecting it because life got in the way. It’s easy to wonder if it’s too late to return, but God’s arms are always open, inviting you to rediscover the purpose and joy of walking with him.

Wherever you are, each step, each decision, is part of the beautiful story God is writing for you. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us: ‘For I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’

Whether you are saying yes for the first time, stepping back into faith or continuing the adventure you’ve already begun, God is with you. His love will sustain you, his grace will carry you and his plans for you are good, even when the road ahead seems unclear. Don’t let fear or past mistakes keep you from moving forward. With God by your side, what lies beyond is courage and joy, no matter where he leads.

Reflect and respond

• How might God be using challenges in your life to bring you closer to him, to help you grow in ways you didn’t expect?
• Read Romans 8:28. Pray for trust that God is guiding you, even when you don’t know all the answers.
• Find out about ways to explore your calling.