Post by MIRIAM JACOB on Aug 2, 2007 11:04:53 GMT -5
August 17, 2006
“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost…” (Luke 14:27-28).
I just returned from an overnight speaking engagement in my hometown of Ventura, CA. It was good to “go home” and see the old sights—though so much has changed it’s almost unrecognizable—and to minister at the church where I once served as an associate pastor. But in the midst of the familiar, God threw me a curve and moved me smack-dab out of my comfort zone.
Being the quintessential planner that I am (who else would be working on a book called “How Can I Run a Tight Ship when I’m Surrounded by Loose Cannons?”), I had all my ducks in order—i.e., five pages of scriptures and well-rehearsed notes in front of me—when the Lord spoke clearly to my heart and said, “That’s not what I want you to talk about.”
Uh oh. If there is one thing we quintessential planners do not like it’s surprises. (Do you suppose God knows that? Hmm…) Anyway, after a bit of pointless arguing and wrestling, I gave in and walked to the podium without a clue as to what I was supposed to say once I got there. And so I prayed and then honestly told the group of my dilemma. I had no sooner finished disclosing my “I’ve been reduced to trusting God” situation than the message formed crystal-clear in my mind: God has called and gifted us to serve Him, and He will turn our obstacles into opportunities—if we are willing to pay the price. And then I shared several stories of people I know who have paid such a price—one lady even lost her entire family (husband and two small children) in a fire—to follow and serve God.
I would much prefer to have delivered a “feel good,” encouraging message, as that is my usual style, but God had other plans—and as always, He knows better. Our meeting ended with many in tears, recommitting their lives to serve Christ and to trust Him to carry them through the fire—whatever the cost.
Why am I telling you, a group of writers, this story? Because, ladies and gentlemen, we are on the front lines of a very serious war, and our enemies are real and powerful. We have attached our names IN WRITING to proclamations of the gospel of Jesus Christ; as such, we are blessed and honored to touch many lives with this great and liberating truth. But it doesn’t happen without cost. I can personally attest to that, as I know many of you can do as well. So let’s continue to cover one another in prayer, as we count the cost—and then willingly move forward into all that God has called us to do.
(C) KATHI MACIAS
www.kathimacias.com
“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost…” (Luke 14:27-28).
I just returned from an overnight speaking engagement in my hometown of Ventura, CA. It was good to “go home” and see the old sights—though so much has changed it’s almost unrecognizable—and to minister at the church where I once served as an associate pastor. But in the midst of the familiar, God threw me a curve and moved me smack-dab out of my comfort zone.
Being the quintessential planner that I am (who else would be working on a book called “How Can I Run a Tight Ship when I’m Surrounded by Loose Cannons?”), I had all my ducks in order—i.e., five pages of scriptures and well-rehearsed notes in front of me—when the Lord spoke clearly to my heart and said, “That’s not what I want you to talk about.”
Uh oh. If there is one thing we quintessential planners do not like it’s surprises. (Do you suppose God knows that? Hmm…) Anyway, after a bit of pointless arguing and wrestling, I gave in and walked to the podium without a clue as to what I was supposed to say once I got there. And so I prayed and then honestly told the group of my dilemma. I had no sooner finished disclosing my “I’ve been reduced to trusting God” situation than the message formed crystal-clear in my mind: God has called and gifted us to serve Him, and He will turn our obstacles into opportunities—if we are willing to pay the price. And then I shared several stories of people I know who have paid such a price—one lady even lost her entire family (husband and two small children) in a fire—to follow and serve God.
I would much prefer to have delivered a “feel good,” encouraging message, as that is my usual style, but God had other plans—and as always, He knows better. Our meeting ended with many in tears, recommitting their lives to serve Christ and to trust Him to carry them through the fire—whatever the cost.
Why am I telling you, a group of writers, this story? Because, ladies and gentlemen, we are on the front lines of a very serious war, and our enemies are real and powerful. We have attached our names IN WRITING to proclamations of the gospel of Jesus Christ; as such, we are blessed and honored to touch many lives with this great and liberating truth. But it doesn’t happen without cost. I can personally attest to that, as I know many of you can do as well. So let’s continue to cover one another in prayer, as we count the cost—and then willingly move forward into all that God has called us to do.
(C) KATHI MACIAS
www.kathimacias.com