Well, I just got back from running down by the river. I started at the Hwy 1 entrance and ran all the way down to the railroad tracks- walked most of the way back but hey, its better than nothing. Fact: Cigars and running do not go well together. They make it much more difficult to run. Just thought you should know that.
As I was walking/running/spending time with God, or what sometimes feels like an imaginary friend, I began to ask myself the question, “What is Faith?” Now I know what the Bible says about it, but what does faith look like fleshed out in my life. So, I decided I would come up with a list of things I was/am having to trust God for or have faith that he will have to provide. Here is what I came up with:
1) A team of people – Right now it’s just me and my wife and what I hope are some good ideas (these ideas will be discussed in a later blog post after we wrap our own minds around them).
2) A city – I think we are the first church planters in the world not to have a city on our heart and we are trusting that God will show us what city he wants us to plant in.
3) Income in the future – We were able to raise $46,000 in a period of a month and this will provide income until next Sept. After Sept., we have no idea where income will come from and we are having to trust God in that too. Combined, we have about $60,000 in school loans due to both of us getting our master’s. Plus we have our first baby on the way. When the Bible says you can’t serve God and money I didn’t know it meant you can’t serve God and have money J. I just have this huge weight on my shoulders when it comes to income in the future.
4) Some direction on how to put this church together.
5) And then of course there are the thousands of “what ifs” and the biggest being “what if no one comes?”
I guess when it comes down to it faith is trusting God will provide when you have no clue how he is going to. Right now, we really don’t have a clue about a lot of this stuff and we are just trying to live by faith and hoping and praying this was God’s plan and not our stupid idea.
To all of you reading, thank you so much and please keep us in your prayers as you can see we can use them. Before you leave this blog I want you to visit this link and watch this video. Then ask yourself do you love Jesus that much. http://www.vimeo.com/9607938
- David
For what it is worth, I am very excited about the journey you have begun and I see nothing but good things coming out of this. For the record, I have been doing what I do for over 30 years and I still wonder if this is where I should be. At times, I have total confirmation from one direction or another. At other times, I wonder if I shouldn't be doing something of more lasting value. I don't think everyone gets that "voice" from above saying do this or do that clearly and unequivocally. As to money, well, all you can do is try to balance trust in the Lord to provide and being wise and practical. God knows each of us has different capacities to make and manage money and I believe we are only expected to do the best we can with the tools and provision we are given to be good stewards of our money. I believe you two are in for an interesting "ride". Can't wait to see what the future brings. Speaking of runs, that is definitely my best prayer time because I am not fidgeting and only minimally distracted. I feel closer to God while running than at just about any other time. And, yes, running and cigars probably don't mix well. Balance, David-san; all life is balance......(Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid).
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