Bigger, Better…Best.
So I recently have had a “career change.” Sparing the details, I’m now searching for a new place to work, and make a living. I know my skill set, and have people helping me out, putting their necks out and a good word in for me. I love the people who surround me.
So many times, when people are in similar situations, they hear things like: “God’s got something so much better for you,” or “You’re gonna be moving on to bigger and better things, I just know it.” These statements are so dangerous. Let me explain why.
First let us establish that God says, “I am enough for you,” and Scripture also shows up that God works out things for the “good of those who love Him,” in Romans 8.
This being said, the danger of the previous statements is that so often, we look at things from our perspective. So following that thought, I imagine that “bigger and better” looks like more responsibility and more money. Affording more luxury to life, and extra income to work with.
CAREFUL.
God says what he has for you is plenty and more than enough. Better, in the eyes of God, doesn’t necessarily mean better in the eyes of man.
Our God doesn’t play by our rules. He has His own agenda and has a specific plan in place for the world, and our path is determined before we’re even placed on earth.
So when we approach “bigger and better”, please don’t set yourself up for disappointment when things aren’t exactly what you envisioned. Don’t feel like God hasn’t given you what is better, because when it’s from Him, it is the best.
I’m not saying these things from a place of–do this–like I am an expert, I’m saying this coming from a place where I have to continually remind myself of these things. The human condition is to be easily deceived by fleeting thoughts and empty promises; don’t succumb to it. Rather, submit wholly to God.
God is wholly good, and more than sufficient. Praise God for that, because I’ll never carry myself to the places He wants to take me.
You’re moving on to exactly what God has, bigger and better…best.
-Jarin
From the Dark comes Light.
In the last couple months, I’ve been in a funk; both spiritually and physically. Consequently, my ministry began to suffer, and my leadership of those around, too. I’ve been in a dark place for a good bit of time, and have recently begun to see the Light. I received a kick in the pants(metaphorically) by my good friend Shane, who writes here occasionally as well. My writing here won’t be as good as usual, I’ve not written in sometime. But here we go:
So begins a new journey, and pursuit of life intertwined with Christ.
Over the last few days, excitement and desire to serve Christ has been brewing. I’ve met some new people who are just as excited if not, more excited than I am, about ministry. Something profound that I’ve experienced is the desire to minister, brings opportunity.
Last night was such an opportunity.
I heard about a last minute concert that was featuring a band I’ve only ever dreamt of seeing. So, I asked an awesome gal, whom I met the day previously, to go with me. Can’t go to a concert alone, y’all. It was a lot of fun, and we really, at least in my opinion hit it off pretty well.
After we left, we went into Dallas, and explored. We looked at Christmas lights, and walked around. We decide to run into Downtown, and look at lights there.
Up walks James, a man who is homeless. Now, prior to meeting him, myself and this young lady were talking about ministry and how serving people was important, and about ministry goals in serving the homeless was of value. No more after than 3 minutes after reaching the end of the conversation we’re approached by James.
Now, in this moment, I could do one of two things. Either I could pass him by, which is not hard to do, or I could respond to the call to serve. We chose the later.
James hit us up for a couple bucks, and I said, “I’ll do ya one better, let’s buy you a meal.” James energetically agreed. We walk a bit and talk to him. Turns out he’s a Vietnam War vet, lost his job and was in state jail for something involving alcohol, but from speaking with him and listening to his story, I can tell his life is back on the straight and narrow. Praise God.
We get to the restaurant and order him a meal, and continue to talk with him. Then enters John. Just a random dude, with a “COEXIST” tattoo on his forearm. John says to me, “Y’all are awesome, man. It’s cool to see people with compassion.” I got an opportunity to present the Gospel really briefly with this guy.
I pray that God will speak and work on both gentlemen, both James and John. Interestingly, their names are both Biblical.
All this to say, I feel as though God placed me in a moment to “put my money where my mouth was,” and serve Him through serving James and John. I feel as if I am back and where I need to be, to effectively minister for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It feels good to be home.