Nate
At 4 lbs. 1 oz, our first born was 9 weeks early. Holding him in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), his hand was so small that it barely wrapped around the end of my pinky. I remember sitting quietly in awe of how he was fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). It made me think of my own life and that of others. Every cell, every synapse, every bone, every muscle and organ - wow!
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
For 10 days, I had not had anything to eat or drink. My large colon needed to be removed or death was likely. Post-surgery, the nurse brought in grape juice. I had just read about Jesus serving Communion to his disciples. That first sip of juice was like a waterfall cascading through my body. Every cell seemed to scream “I’m alive!” and indeed I was. I’ve never taken Communion the same since. God’s grace continues to flow daily!
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
I desperately needed to rest. Stepping away from a global leadership role that required long days, lots of travel and non-stop thinking about all that needed to be done, I was exhausted. But how could I take a break with no sustained income? Yet God knew my needs. Unexpectedly and unsolicited, He provided a full two months of income through others, and even threw in a newer vehicle which we actually needed as well. In seen and unseen ways, God provides for the vision He gives us, even if it’s rest.
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
It was my first time in Dhaka, Bangladesh. At the invitation of a friend, I found myself at the table with several national church planting leaders who had contagious passion and joy in the work they were doing. Yet I heard many stories of both persecution, as well as the lack of resources. It stopped me in my tracks. Here in the US, we build taller fences and rent more storage units. But are we investing more in what has eternal worth? Starting with the guy in the mirror, I know I’m called to think and act differently.
”SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”