Failure at the Forefront

I recently came out of a season where it felt as if anything I touched was failing. It didn't matter what it was, how hard I tried or prayed, it seemed as if failure had a strong grip on all in my control. Although these seasons can be VERY annoying, in the end they can be the best thing at the right time for Jesus to really refine who we are, how we work and our role in His greater mission.  Specifically, there were three things that really stood out in this season:

1) I Am Human
I know for many of you (especially my wife) this is an obvious statement, but we can start to believe and rely on our own giftings that we practically live as though we don't need God in the equation. As Craig Groeschel calls it, we are "Christian Atheists," believing God exits but acting like he doesn't. For me, this was a time God used to remind me that it's not based on my ability or how hard/much I work, but it is dependent on Him; He is truly the one who decides the outcome.

2) I Need Jesus Desperately
Another "duh" statement for many, but something I continually need to be reminded. I think I can do something Jesus couldn't do: Work on my Own. He says it this way in John 5:19-20--"So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise." This is a statement that I could truly contemplate for ages. Jesus, the fullness of God made flesh, could only do what He saw the Father doing and then joined Him in it. Yet, I believe I can go and do what I set my mind out to do as long as I work hard. Purely ridiculous! I will never undervalue hard work, but at the end of the day it's not about my hard work, it's about His Work in and through me. I will never accomplish much in life apart from what Jesus has assigned for me, entrusted to me, and empowered me to accomplish.

3) I Can't Give Up
It is in times of failures that I believe potential is fulfilled. This is the testing period that I believe many people decide it is better and easier to quit then to persevere, and once this decision is made, their direction will never lead them to the place they long to go. The temptation is strong to not persevere through the hard time in the midst of the daily struggles, but at the end of the day what we are trying to accomplish is so much more important. We have been given the Message of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-21), and to give up sharing this Good News because of a few trip ups is not worth it. Can Jesus do it without me? Of Course! But has He given each of us a specific role to play that will be a detriment to the specific mission if we don't accomplish? Absolutely. The greater goal is so much more important, and to give up would be foolish.

The Unseen of a New Direction....

Somethings have really been hitting me like a ton of bricks recently. Much of it is extremely hard to put into words as it is something deep within. However, certain glimpses of  light and concrete ideas peak their head from time to time (and for someone like me, that is hopeful).

One of the things that really hit me today was the concept that when you go a new direction in your life you will not only experience the greatness of the new direction but also the unseen. Like anyone taking a journey to a new place, there will be both sights that absolutely amaze you and there are potentially potholes that you never see coming when you make the decision to change directions. You truly never know what the next part will bring, and for a planner like me that can be both exhilarating and exhausting! No One thought or concept is ever in complete isolation from future thoughts that you never thought could happen.

I speak this in the midst of some amazingly awesome opportunities in my life. God has given me an awesome opportunity to have influence a local body that I am truly humbled and honored by. Where this will lead only Jesus knows, but that makes it even more exciting of a trip.