It’s been a little over two months since I spent eight days in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I just finished reading yet another edifying and encouraging blog post by John Knight (Check it out here), one of the many people I was privileged to meet with. As I finished, I was struck with the question “What did Minneapolis mean?” What was the trip’s purpose, where should it lead me? Even now, I am humbled and amazed by how God brought he trip together, and I went almost in spite of myself. I’m not impulsive an had no idea that a random, late night conversation with a “come to Minneapolis this summer” passing line would be the spark that led to eight days of stepping out in faith. Eight days of going to a city I had only visited once before to stay with people I had only met once, to meet with established ministry heads, simply as a young Seattleite with a heart for disability ministry. I feared before I went; feared being an imposition, not knowing the wonderful people I was to meet, the conversations I was to have, and the blessed ride it would be. IT was SO not like me—and so like Jesus.
So like Jesus to ask me to step out and trust Him. Trust that He would (and did) provide transportation, words for the meetings, and so many new acquaintances and times with friends that encouraged and inspired me. I met and got to know so many people who spoke volumes about the Body of Christ simply by being themselves—humbled servants of Jesus. True to His character, the trip wasn’t what I expected (a day longer, almost getting hit by a car, driving an Explorer, to name a few) and just what I needed to grow. I was stretched to trust, surprised by the details of how He hemmed me in, before and behind, and grateful that He reveals His wisdom and plans in His perfect timing. The unexpected conversations, time with family, and new friendships sparked renewed joy as I put myself out there, letting Him be my guide and guard.
Its two months later; and where does the trip fit now? Do I see it as a faith fluke, just a trip? That the conversations and their implications have run their course? Or do I reflect and regroup, determined not to let it solely be a past memory, but an aspect of present and future direction and change? This note is an indication of the latter. I want to live more like I did in those eight days—trusting Him to meet my tangible needs. In order to do that, I have to get out of my comfort zone, live in a way where I’ll be in trouble if He doesn’t show up. Secondarily, I need to live in the body, lean on them because iron does sharpen iron. I need to seek that community out and be an active member in it. (oh, I teach Sunday school, attend a small group, but that doesn’t equate a strong spiritual intimacy or transparency, or a dependence on the other indispensable members of the body). Also, I don’t want to live in fear; of hardship, awkwardness, or honest heart conversations that will change friendships. Each of those occurred in the eight days and I grew exponentially, in the both the confusion and confirmation.
Similarly, the guest preacher this week challenged us to ask the Holy Spirit, “what’s next”? I think this is an aspect of that for me—what’s next in light of the lessons in faith, and connections forged in Minneapolis? Do I move? Where and how should I continue to step out in faith? I have no idea, but I know this—He leads guides, wills and works for His good pleasure. It is my job to step out, trust, and obey. Just like my time in Minneapolis, I can’t see where He’ll lead me next, but I know it will be for my good and His glory.
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