I don’t think I can justify calling this blog “walking in the light” without a regular dose of in-your-face honesty. So here goes…
When we were starting this church, I was desperate. I spent hours in prayer, searching the scriptures for wisdom, crying out for God’s help. It’s amazing how times of crisis and heightened stress can drive us to our knees. During that time, I felt like all the progress we were making was simply a result of God mercifully answering our prayers.
Recently I was on a pastors coaching call where I had to discuss my weekly schedule. And, breaking down my last week of work into 15 minute blocks, it was like when our whole team had to watch film after football games…very telling. Now, as I look over my schedule I find some things glaringly absent. Not as much time set aside for nothing but prayer. Not planning. Not strategizing. Not meeting or making phone calls. Just prayer. I don’t see as much combing the scriptures looking to apply the Gospel to my life. Is there studying and sermon prep? You bet. But not as much hunger to hear from God for me, my wife, my kids, my own character.
In John 15:5, Jesus says “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” And while, of course, we have to work (and starting a church is hard work!), I want to remain so connected to and dependent upon Christ, that my life and this church grows out of the fruit he brings. Rather than work to make things happen in my own strength.
What about you? Are you working on your own or trusting in him to live through you? Only one will produce lasting results.
