I’ve always believed that if you step out in faith, God will reward you. And that word “reward” always made me nervous. I had a hard time with religious people who were trying to be faithful so they could receive their “reward”. As if it was like a job where they were wanting their Christmas Bonus so they could get that pool they always wanted. It just didn’t seem authentic. It just didn’t seem like real faith. Sure the bible talks about rewards, but I don’t know, I never really liked the mentality that if I am faithful God will give me riches when I get to heaven. I think that’s missing the point of what Jesus was saying…
I am constantly learning how to trust God more. This whole move to Oregon, I guess was about that. Call it an experiment. Not that I am trying to test God or anything to see if He really comes through for me, but more of a test for me to actually jump into the void and see if I can actually do it while trusting that everything is going to be ok – and not only ok, but better than it ever has been.
Of course leaving all that was comfortable behind was just the beginning of trusting. Now that we are here, I feel like the next part of this journey is to really work hard to establish some friendships, some relationships, and get involved in the community and with organizations that are doing some amazing things. If we just move and then sit here and do nothing, what has changed?
And this is where I am… trying to not just be lazy and sit around all day. Even though I am taking care of Amalea most days, and that is work (and holy work in my opinion) I can still get lazy and just want to stay home and not meet new people or get involved. I am trying to trust that if I get out of my comfort zone, enter into new experiences and meet new people, God will reward me. It is messy sometimes and very hard. Sometimes I go down the wrong street (litterally and metaphorically) and get lost, but I’m still learning things at the same time.
I really enjoyed this post. I’ve been sitting here thinking about how when you hear the Holy Spirit and respond to the call, the reward may take a lifetime or a moment. You never know. What you do know is following the call is essential to faith. It is faith.
I am going through a transition phase in my spiritual life and not being lazy is a big part of it. Focusing on prayer, time for God, keeping God first in my life — all huge changes for me. And I am starting to see the rewards.
Jimbo,
Truly trusting the Lord, it’s a scary thing to take that step off of the cliff and truly have the faith that God will do whatever he needs in order to save you. He probably won’t allow everything to go smoothly, as we all usually hope he will, b/c in the hardships, in the challenges, in the bumps and bruises this is where he speaks to us the clearest…well, it’s actually when we’re listening the closest.
Becca and I will pray for you, Robin, and Amalea that God would continue to mold you, continue to guide you, and open up tons of doors right there in Portland for you guys to share your faith, to live as witnesses to his awesome grace and love.
Thanks for forgiving as the Lord forgives. For being a faithful follower of our Lord Jesus. God knows we all need his grace.
Love you bro,
John
ps – If you learn anything interesting about Nike, they’ve got their headquarters up there in Portland, I’d love to hear whether or not their cleaning up their act as it pertains to their sweatshops around the world. Enjoy this new adventure!