This post really doesn't have much to do with anything except what my heart and life is looking like at this moment. That's my disclaimer and I'm sticking to it.....
I'm going through a phase in my life. Who isn't these days? God is a God of process and right now I feel like I'm in school again. Certain people and circumstances in my life are encouraging me to step up and take a different role in loving on people. I'm not trying to be intentionally vague, just protecting the confidences I've been entrusted with. So I've been reading a lot. Not casual reading, the kind of reading where I take notes, reread it over until I get it, kind of reading. When I don't know a lot about a subject, I read. So I'm reading recommendations from friends as to how to use the gifts God's given me as well as how get more comfortable with those gifts to further the kingdom. Asking for opinions and advice pretty much anywhere I can get it. I need to get more comfortable with the whole idea of mentoring people. I need to get over the idea that pastors and children's ministers are the only ones who are mentors. We all are. Right now one of the books (Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for Seeking and Giving Direction) I'm reading says:
Spiritual mentoring is a ministry given to each of us as we live in our families, in our friendships, in our churches, on our jobs and in all places we find ourselves. (pg. 22)
I leave the difficult stuff, the hard to talk about stuff, to my pastor and the Es. And God is now trusting me with people who don't know the pastor or the Es. They don't know God. They know me and the God I show to them. Or they know God, but have only walked with Him a little ways and need to be cared for as they grow, and God is giving me the opportunity to encourage and walk with them for a little while. I wouldn't trade it for the world, but it's intimidating. I'm asked to solidify and explain my relationship with God. It's a vulnerable thing to walk with someone through this walk of faith. It asks a lot of me. Time, commitment, trust, faith, love, tenacity, humility.
And I also need to maintain my own relationship with God. Sometimes God tells me to pump the brakes and just sit and talk with Him for a little bit about how we are doing together. He did it yesterday on the road. I was calling people, checking up on them, praying for my church, my friends, my leadership, and then God mentally tapped me on the shoulder. He wanted to hear about how I was doing. So I just stopped what I was doing and just started chatting with Him about what's going on in my life. It wasn't a prayer or a sermon, it was just me talking to my Father. This life goes by so fast sometimes, that I forget to just stop and sit with Him for a while. Those times of silence do wonders for my heart......
Don't miss the voice of God in this time....God has your attention now while your life is only in first or second gear. Quit fighting it, and use your slow pace to listen. (pg. 40)
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5 comments:
"it was just me talking to my Father." Awesome - that is the purest form of communicating with God! This happens to me all during the day and in almost any activity - especially outdoors.
We may not all be called to be an official minister but we all are called to minister in love to one another. I'm proud of what you are doing and striving to do and may God bless your efforts. ec
Mr. Eddie,
I wish I could hug you. You do so much for my heart. Thank you for encouraging me and cheering me forward. I consider you part of the wise counsel God's blessed me with, even though you are so far away.
I like to talk to God outdoors too. Although I know He's right beside me indoors or out. I love when He tickles my face with the wind.
The Passionate Life by Mike Breen and Walt Kallestad. that's my recommendation. read it now so we can discuss later ;)
"Be still and know that I am God."
I'm all about arming ourselves with knowledge, but lately I find myself desiring to tap into His knowledge, His divine power that exists within me, His thoughts... if I could figure that out, I'd be a completely different person.
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Overwhelming blessing on you! I understand your position as it has been one I found myself wading through these last few months. I like that you included tenacity in you list... it is important. And keep having those little chats with The Father... they are sustenance and comfort.
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