There's something about risk that makes my relationship with God come alive. When all is safe and routine, my soul starts to atrophy. In 1 Samuel 14:6, when Jonathan puts himself in harm's way with the Philistines, I can't help but think he was reinvigorating his faith... not just carrying out a military exercise:
"Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf."
This time last year, I was signing a contract saying that I would pay $25,000 to use the Reston Hyatt for the Whiteboard Sessions. I didn't have the money. And I didn't have a clue whether anyone would come. But my prayer life had never been stronger. =) I miss that.
hey, I think I see the back of my head. :)
Posted by: Ken | January 15, 2009 at 03:07 PM
I totally agree. I told God when I surrendered to full-time ministry that I never wanted to not be willing to take the big leaps of faith. I actually posted about that today too.
http://www.ronedmondson.com/2009/01/encouragement-to-take-that-leap-of-faith.html
Thanks for the reminder encouragement.
Ron
Posted by: Ron Edmondson | January 15, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Amen! Let's get those water pistols out and charge hell! Amen!!
Posted by: Clayton Bell | January 15, 2009 at 04:30 PM
What are the "Whiteboard Session" and how do I find out more about them? Clearly a man who can link sociological trends to the Spirit of Jesus is someone whom I need to know more about. Please share!
Posted by: Justin Wise | January 15, 2009 at 05:41 PM
Excellent Post Ben,
Excellent.
Posted by: 210 Leadership Blog | January 16, 2009 at 01:07 AM
So, what challenge is on your plate for this year? My sharegroup requires everyone to produce a list each January with three goals in Spiritual, Physical , Emotional, Intellectual areas. Goal one is a first quarter goal, two is a yearly goal, and three is a long-term. One and two have to be measurable. So, for me this year... I have a short-term physcial of a 5k and an annual of a half-marathon. It makes me more focused. Are you doing Whiteboard again?
Posted by: Abby | January 16, 2009 at 03:33 PM
i am indeed playing with danger
Posted by: Ben Arment | January 16, 2009 at 04:55 PM
Ben, do you have any basic principles of discerning your way out of fear but not being brash or unwise? Especially in ministry-related decisions that impact family?
Posted by: Bethany | January 16, 2009 at 09:00 PM
Ben,
So with you. In fact, I've got a fight after school on March 1 with a guy that's been bullying me for 5 years now. He's been trying to pick a fight with me for a while now and I've been slipping out of class and getting home before the bell rings. Not anymore. I finally figured it out. I'd get my butt kicked if I show up there alone. But I've got my big brother now coming with me whose going to do the fighting for me. I'm sure he'll get a few punches in on me and I'll have a few scratches, maybe a black eye and bloody nose, but I'm pretty certain now that it will all go down in my favor and my big bro will get the credit.
Posted by: Drew Clyde | January 17, 2009 at 11:02 AM