Wednesday, June 16, 2010

When I chase a Lion

Do you ever feel like a situation is so fragile that one word, one mis-step could derail the outcome you are hoping for? Ever been hesitant to mention something out loud for fear it would "jinx" it?
In the last few years I have pursued a few things that I really wanted and each time I was not sure if I would get them. They seemed big; bigger than anything I deserved or could handle.

When I interviewed for the Store Manager position at The Container Store I was so nervous. I felt like every second of every day was an interview. I could barely concentrate because I was so worried about not getting the job. Then a few years later when I applied for job at Family Christian Stores I felt the same way. I knew God already knew the outcome but I insisted on being anxious and distracted and worried. So, now I find myself in the same situation again. I am interviewing for a position at my church. A position that seems to be the perfect match for me. Again I know God knows the outcome, but again I have this feeling like it all hinges on one encounter, like one thing could derail something God has been working on since before time began. Whether I get the position or not, God will be honored and I will be serving where God wants me to be serving in the capacity that he wants me to be serving in. My heart and my spirit know this but my mind has a way of reverting back to irrational fears. I trust God, and I trust the people making the decision. His will be done.

In the book "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" Mark Batterson challenges you to live a life of courage. To chase lions, that is, go after that thing that you would normally run from. Confront the things you are afraid of with confidence that Christ not only knows the outcome, but He created the experience just for you because he knows what you need to go through to get to where He needs you to be. It is an excellent read and it has caused me to reflect on the times when I chased a lion- the fear I felt and the joy that came with the victory. I am also reminded of the times that I chose to play it safe and the remorse and thoughts of "what could have been" that come with what often seems like to responsible choice. In both cases I rejoice that I serve a God of second chances! Going forward it is my desire to always chase the lion and see how God brings the victory.

By the way, up to this point I have never interviewed for a position and not gotten it. God has directed my footsteps and so far I seem to have been at the right place at the right time, even if i felt like that might not be the case.

**Update- I did get the job. It is a perfect fit for our family right now. I am the Worship Leader for Celebrate Recovery at The Church on Rush Creek and I absolutely LOVE IT! :-)

Saturday, June 5, 2010

FREE copy of Forgotten God!!!!

OK guys, if you have not read this book this is the time to get it! Last month I shared how The Hole in Our Gospel forever changed my view of God's love for everyone created in His image and my responsibility to share the WHOLE Gospel- I hope you took advantage of the FREE download from Christian Audio!

I was so excited to see that this month's FREE download from christianaudio.com is Francis Chan's latest; Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. When I told people about this book as I was reading it, the phrase "this book is rocking my world" was the best I could do and that did not do it justice. It has forever changed my view of the Holy Spirit's work and influence in my life- and as a result has changed my prayer life, my decision making and the way I view my role on this planet. That is all I will say for now. Please take three minutes of your day and download this book. Then take 1 to 20 minutes(depending on your age) to transfer it to your preferred mp3 playing device. Then take however long it takes to listen to it...You will be so glad you did! :-)