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What do you do when your mission is bigger than what you can do? In this episode of the Calibrate Life Podcast we talk about navigating your journey when the outcomes are fully dependent upon God.
continue reading for the episode notes…
What do you do when what you must do is bigger than what you can do?
I go back and forth from the practical to the spiritual in my personal life emphases. Really, that is exactly what we are supposed to do. We get in the Presence of God, a passion arises, a path emerges, and a practice results.
Revelation causes transformation, and transformation prompts incarnation.
Revelation is that which is revealed to us. Transformation is the change that takes place in us and the world around us as a result. Incarnation is living out the actions and practices of Christ, as though we are his hands, his lips, and his feet in this physical and present world.
Our spiritual life informs our life passions. Our mission. The things that rise up within us, the things that ignite and motivate us to action.
We live in the back-and-forth from spiritual empowerment to practical action. Spiritual empowerment has little value if it does not find application in advancing the Kingdom of God through our interface with the seen physical reality.
Incarnation is about translating the spiritual reality into every day living.
“(We) must speak from eternity into time, from the lasting joy into the passing realities of our short existence in this world, from the house of love into the houses of fear, from God’s abode into the dwelling of human beings.” (Henry Nouwen)
Presently, right now, we face living a life bigger than we are. Those who have regularly listened to the Calibrate Life podcast know of our journey and how it has progressed.
Honestly, its been a long time since I’ve taken on something beyond my ability. It is unsettling in some ways, but in many ways it must be. In our comfort zone we take on things we know we have the ability to handle. Stepping beyond our comfort zone and into a zone where we must depend upon God for the fulfillment of the mission is God’s path and design.
We’ve progressed from seeking and opening ourselves up to that which is exceedingly, abundantly, more than we could ask, think, or imagine (Ephesians [3:20])… to being asked to do that which is exceedingly abundantly bigger than we are capable… in a good way.
It’s like being asked to take a large and prestigious platform, in front of thousands. The first emotion is elation for the opportunity, then, the reality that you actually have to do it settles in and the struggle and preparation begins.
This seems to be the “normal” journey of following Christ. (Which by the way, I can feel a transition from leader to follower — but more on that later.)
What do you do when what you must do is bigger than what you can do?
First, Rely Upon Divine Empowerment
Divine empowerment is our greatest resource.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10.3-4 ESV
Second, Embrace the Assignment as God’s
We did not seek this assignment, this assignment sought us. We are not self-appointed, we were appointed by God for this task. God provides for his assignments.
“But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.” 2 Corinthians 10.13 ESV
“For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10.18 ESV
Third, Depend upon God’s Grace
God exerts and exalts himself through our weaknesses. We didn’t make this up, it is a spiritual principle in which we must anchor.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12.9 ESV
Fourth, Accept the Paradox of God’s Glory
God is not a glory seeker because of his ego, God doesn’t have an ego. We give all glory to God because when He is lifted up we are transformed.
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12.10 ESV
When I am weak, I become strong, because our weakness is an opportunity for the revelation of the glory of God. God gets the credit. God is lifted up because no doubt exists or remains that it was God who is due the credit.
The revelation of his glory prompts transformation, and transformation results in incarnation. And the will and work of God, of transformation, is accomplished.
Finally…
Let there be no doubt, our success in this mission is fully dependent upon God. We are relearning some things we’ve never forgotten, but have not applied in a while.
- Rely on Divine Empowerment
- Embrace Your Assignment as God’s Assignment
- Count on the Grace of God
- Acknowledge that all glory goes to God… and make that your aim.
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