Monday, April 23, 2012

English is a funny little language.

I watched the sunrise this morning.
I say this with some laughter, because the sun didn’t really rise, per say... The best description I can think of is that the sky became a little less grey, and a little more blue. The clouds continued to drizzle, and I continued to stand there with a pink blanket around my shoulders until I figured that it couldn’t get any bluer outside, and decided to return to my 8th floor lair.

I was reminded of something quite important that my pastor talked about last night in church.

God never fails.

This is a truth that is fundamental to our entire belief system as Christians, and yet sometimes it’s difficult to see. We all find ourselves standing in a dark place, and even the strongest of us, those reliant on the belief that God does NOT fail, are left asking, “God, have you failed me?”

I stood on the roof this morning. All by myself, me and my God. I was waiting for his sun to rise. And you know what? I didn’t see it. But does that mean that the sun didn’t rise? Of course not.
The fact that I could see anything at all was evidence that the sun was there. Not only did I believe that the sun had risen, I KNEW that it had. I know that each sunrise represents a new day. I know that without sunlight, even in the slightest form, I would have all consuming darkness.
I did not stand in darkness and drizzle this morning. I stood in rain, and I stood in light. It didn’t look like a post card, and to some people, it probably looked like I was standing in the pit of hell. But God was there, and even when I couldn’t see it clearly, or hardly at all, the evidence was clear:

God never fails. His sun has risen. His son has risen.



Sunday, April 8, 2012

Little did I know, this was just the beginning.


Coming to The King's College was a big step for me. I moved 730 miles away from my family and friends, to the middle of New York City, knowing no one.  I knew that God had called me here, and that because He wanted me to be here, He would make it happen. Finances, flights, everything. I had peace about my decision, and was willing to follow God's plan, knowing that he would give me a life that would not be disappointing. A life of abundance, and a world of joy.

This year at King's has challenged me, and through challenges, I've grown. I learned though friendships, I learned about myself, and I worked on coming to a place where God was everything I needed, and that my security is in my God, not in my self, or my city, or my friends. I'm not saying that I'm perfect at this, or that I'm finished learning by any means; I'm just noticing the growth.

I am not returning to The King's College next year.



I'll let that sink in for a moment.



I'm not returning, but I have a very good reason why: God has something even better. Better than New York, better than King's, better book publishing.

I'm going to be a pastor, and the reason that I'm not coming back to King's, is that I am going to work for a year, and (prayerfully!) attend the Hillsong School of Leadership in July of 2013. Hillsong is in Sydney. Sydney is in Australia.

That's right, I'm quitting King's, working for a year, and moving to Australia to become a pastor.

And you know what?


I am so excited.


I am also overcome with peace and confirmation about this, and I hope that you will stand with me. This is a big step, even bigger than my original "atmospheric leap." I am leaving my country behind, to go after the heart of my Jesus, who died and rose again. Much of the world celebrated that today- on Easter. Today was beautiful.

 I honestly believe that this is God's plan for my life, and could not be more excited, which gives me even further confidence that this is God- who knew I'd ever be okay with moving from New York? But Sydney... Sydney! I can't wait!


 "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."  -Matthew 11:28-30

My life is just beginning. I cannot wait.