Sit and Soak
Here are a few things that challenged me:
"Get used to enjoying the journey because the destination is a mirage." That is so true! It's not about reaching a goal. It's about who we become in the process! I really struggle with being future-oriented. I'm always thinking about what's next. So it was a healthy reminder to enjoy the journey.
Steven talked about a principle in II Kings 4. All the widow had was a little oil. And some of us are discouraged by how little we have. I've been there. I remember when NCC's income was $2000/month. It's so easy to get focused on what we don't have. But all she had was all she needed. As long as there were jars to be filled, the oil kept flowing. There is no shortage. The thing that limits us is not God's capability. It's always our capacity. As long as we keep bringing an empty jar the oil will keep flowing!
Ironically, the thing that really encouraged me in my spirit was Steven sharing about one of the defining moments of his life. I'm in the throes of trying to finish writing my next book, Wild Goose Chase. It is hard. And it is lonely. But I write because one sentence can change the life of someone I'll never meet forever! Steven read Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala when he was sixteen years-old. And page 23 changed his life. One sentence: I despaired that my life might pass me by without seeing God move mightily on my behalf.
Timely encouragement!
5 Comments:
That's why I love to read and be around people that are encouraging. Thanks for the post!
Hey Mark. It was nice to chat with you today. You are such a blessing in my life. I wanted to apologized to you. While you were talking about your struggles finishing the book... God prompted me to pray for you... and I did not. I reasoned in my mind that Mark has places to go... people to talk to... he does not have time for you to pray for him... I want to let you know that Susanne and I just prayed for God's peace and guidance to help you complete your book. Thanks so much for allowing God to use you to minister to us in Florence, SC!!!
Chris Reeder
http://ChrisReeder.com
"Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" was one of the first (and most life changing) devotionals I ever read! I actually ordered another copy just the other day for a friend of mine!
thanks to you for the encouraging thoughts Mark! it can be lonely...I just reflected on that...and so true about kingdom relationships. be blessed!
Hi Mark - Thanks for the encouraging words! I'm a new church planter - having so much fun and God is blessing but it can be lonely! And yet as I read this I am reminded that Jim Cymbala also encouraged me because he had the courage to write a seemingly simple sentence in a book that has rocked my world!
Blessings - Scott Helsel, Oasis Life Church,Maricopa, AZ
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