Prepare to step up

As I age, I am increasingly astounded by the intricate and interconnected nature of everything. Whether it’s a fleeting thought, a deliberate action, or even the absence of sensation, each element holds significance. Nothing occurs in isolation; every piece contributes both individually and as a whole.

Take sleep for example. If I choose to stay up all night (regardless of the reason), it deprives my brain and body of the rest, repair and reset needed to function at a normal (let alone high) level the following day. If continued over time, a lack of sleep eventually leads to a high risk of chronic disease, all-cause mortality and decreased life expectancy. And it doesn’t just impact me! My attitude stinks, my productivity drops and the chance of making mistakes skyrockets, all of which have a direct and ripple effect on everyone and everything around me!

The same can be said of the food we eat, the things we read, watch and listen to, who we spend our time with and what we chose to do and be a part of…

It all matters!

You see, the saying “nothing is wasted in God’s economy” is true!

Sometimes we have control. Sometimes we don’t. Sometimes good things happen and sometimes they don’t. Regardless, how we prepare ourselves and how we step into each of those moments literally makes all the difference in the world.

In the Gospel of John, just after telling His disciples He would be going away, Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

To the disciples, this news would have been devastating! They had placed their lives and their future in His hands only to be told He’s leaving and, oh yeah, by the way, “In this world you will have trouble!”

Yet in that same moment Jesus also mentioned three other words: peace, heart and overcome!

Why?

Because Jesus knew they could handle it! He had invested deeply in them, preparing them for what was to come. He showed them the way. He sent them out to experience it. He debriefed it with them. He prayed for them AND gave them the gift of His presence through the Holy Spirit!

And it’s no different for us!

We will have trouble in this world!

Life isn’t easy.

However, when we rely on God, are prepared and participate, we will make a difference because nothing is wasted or done in isolation!

The questions are, are we relying on God?

Are we preparing ourselves?

Physically?

Mentally?

Emotionally?

Spiritually?

AND, are we stepping in and participating?

In other words, are we “working like it depends on us and praying like it depends on God!”

And if we ever wonder if what we are doing really is making a difference, look at the disciples. A small group of rag-tag misfits and nobodies changed the world through the power of God’s spirit as they prepared, risked and participated!

How are you relying on God?

What are you doing to prepare?

Where do you need to risk and participate?

Believe it or not, the world is depending on your answers!

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Justin