What could you do today to begin to live with a bigger, better view of God?

That is the question that ends Chapter 3 in "In a Pit...." and it is similar to what Frances Chan asks in "Crazy Love", "What are you doing today that is causing you to live by faith?" Both these questions make me stop and pause. But then you just turn the page in Batterson's book and there are some core rocking points he makes. In telling about a lady who was afraid to step out for God (in this case, go on a mission trip to Ethiopia, but it could have been anything... expect healing for a child, save a marriage, etc. etc.) he recounts her story. Sarah says, "there are a MILLION reasons why I shouldn't go." She goes on to talk about finances, commitments, lack of talent, etc. etc. that she told herself all pointed to reasons NOT to follow this burning call. However, she ends her story this way, "But I only needed one reason to go: I was called." Wow! I really wish I had the kind of faith that would allow me to put aside EVERY good reason not to and just follow the one reason that matters most!

Isn't that how it happens so many times? At least for me it does. I know I am called to do something (whether it be share my story with someone or help an orphan), but I can reason and "think" my way through all the excuses of why it must be something I ate rather than the moving of the Holy Spirit. I can count all the talents I lack, all the financial reasons why things don't make any sense, I can think of the commitment I have already made to my own children and allow them to be the righteous reason I turn down opportunities. But in the end, none of these things need to make sense to God. In the end, He is just waiting for me to step out DESPITE all these things, simply because He asked me too. When I learn to live like that, THEN God will find glory in my story. Then my Lord will be exalted by my life. Then, and only then, will I experience God's unleashed power. There are so many small things in my life that I don't trust Him for. So many things in my life that I feel are "up to me". How absurd! Despite MY best efforts, here I am still wallowing in my pit of "me." Hmmm, maybe it's time that I give up "me" and try a HE approach to all this?

The caption leading up to Sarah's story says it all: "She decided to live her life in a way that was worth telling stories about."

Thank you Matt for the quote today! :)

"I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, He can work through anyone." St. Francis of Assisi