Interrupted, Post 5

"I am learning what it means to descend, which is so revolutionary, it often leaves me gasping. I have been trying to ascend my entire life....When Jesus told us to 'take the lowest place' (Luke 14:10), it was more than a strategy for social justice. It was even more than wooing us to the bottom for communion, since that is where He is always found. The path of descent becomes our own liberation. We are freed from the exhausting stance of defense. We are no longer compelled to be right and are thus relieved from the burden of maintaining some reputation. We are released from the idols of greed, control, and status. The pressure to protect the house of cards is alleviated when we take the lowest place."

Johnbull frequently tells us in our church gatherings that if we desire to go up, we must first put ourselves at the very bottom. He will then sit on the floor for a good portion of his sermon, demonstrating how important it is to put yourselves last, to serve others first, to walk humbly, to make your mark on this earth as Jesus did--not forcing followers, but loving in such a powerful way that it draws others to Him--not to YOU.

Stacy and I had a similar conversation today. God is expanding us in massive ways. I mean massive. This month, we are looking at some huge moves in our ministry and we know that God has us. But, there are moments that doubt enters in because of the money, because of the things we need to have ironed out before then, because of the potential struggles we may face, we begin to wonder. We wake up early, filled with worry, as our mind whirs with the hundreds of things that have to happen in this next month. We, in our own humanness, begin to think that we have to do this all, in our own strength.

But, the truth is...it isn't something we can do.

Just like getting our school built and education programs running was not something we could do.

Just like building our 1st...and 2nd...and 3rd children's homes...and our guest house...and our missionary apartments...and our office...and our church...were not projects we had planned and fundraised for.  But God provided.

And we know this is true for all the big moves that are happening this month too.

God has us in such a place that if we even try to do it on our own, we won't be successful. We are in such a place of dependence that the only One we can point to for the things that will be accomplished in this season will be God alone. And we will look back and see Him all over this. 

So, I am practicing the art of descent. Because that is the only place where God, and God alone, can truly show up, in all of His power, and might, and love.