sphere of influence

 

from Seven: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker, Chapter Four, Page 114

 

"Does the collective will and watch of like-minded people keep us from derailing sometimes?  Innumerable times I've grown weary, but the powerful backing of my faith community lit the extinguishing fire, and I carried on.

 

Maybe "letting down my fellow journeymen" isn't such a bad reason for pushing through either.  In my circle of Christ followers, we take turns being strong.  While one of us is down, the rest rally.  Later, we'll trade.  The equation always balances in the end.  Sometimes a second surge of effort affects another believer in profound ways.  I can't count how many times I've thought:

If she can do it, then I can too.

If he can hold steady, then I should try.

If God is keeping them afloat, then he'll do the same for me.

 

Our stories affect on another whether we know it or not.  Sometimes obedience isn't for us at all, but for another.  We don't know how God holds the kingdom in balance or why He moves a chess piece at a crucial time; we might never see the results of his sovereignty.  But we can trust Him when He says press on, cling to hope, stay the course.  He is always at work, even if the entire thread is hidden.  I might just be one shade of one color of one strand, but I'm a part of an elaborate tapestry that goes beyond my perception.

 

The power of the church has always been in its many, many parts.  In a culture of hero worship and conspicuous rainmakers, this concept struggles to emerge, but the story of God's people comprises a billion little moments when an average believer pressed on, carried through, stepped up.  In the quantity of ordinary obedience, the kingdom truly advances.

 

So that one area where you are fatigued and considering surrender, remember this:

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
(Hebrews 12:1-3)

 

 

How grateful I am for those the Lord has graciously placed in my life as a source of continued encouragement, influence, inspiration, and support.  If only I had an image capturing each face that has touched my life in a meaningful way. 

Such beauty in the Body of Christ.