The Thrill of Trusting
Few things are as thrilling as having a front row seat to watch people take steps of faith and trust God in new ways. Here’s just one of many incredible stories from Faith, Hope and Love.
Meet Christina. She’s a graduate student who just took one HUGE step of faith.
Pete,
I wanted to write and not only thank you (and the entire staff at Crosspoint) but also encourage you by letting you know you are not alone in this stepping out in faith. (I’m sure you already know that by the hundreds, maybe thousands that are stepping up…)
Tonight was life-changing for me and I wanted to share it (and a bit of my story) with you.
I moved to Nashville from New Hampshire at the beginning of the summer to go to graduate school. Having grown up next door to my entire family and only attended college 2 hours away, this move was my “Jordan” moment. I graduated college in May, and moved halfway across the country 2 weeks later. It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, yet the most rewarding. Looking back on it, I now see that I stepped into the river first, then God provided. It was a terrifying leap of faith- one that God rewarded through protection and provision. Since moving here, however, my life has become mediocre. Not in the sense of nothing exciting happening, but definitely in terms of my walk with the Lord. I am controlled by routine, stress, and worry. I work two jobs, attend school at night, and am barely making ends meet. I uprooted and moved over 1200 miles away and even on my best days question if this is really what God had for me. The series “Faith, Hope, and Love” has hit me right where I’m at. Several times I’ve considered throwing in the towel and moving home. Luckily, I have a best friend back home that won’t let that happen. He consistently reminds me that faith involves risk, and being “comfortable” will ultimately override my purpose. Being “comfortable” is not the goal- the goal is to be at the center of God’s will. Thankfully I have a church that is teaching me the same.
In all honesty, I figured God wouldn’t ask me to give… given my “circumstances” and all. I prayed “what role will you have me play?” with preconceived ideas that it would be to get involved or something along those lines. But money? I need that. Definitely definitely need that. There I go again, putting God in my “yeah, but…” box. I hate it when I do that.
So, tonight, I was really praying. Wanting to be a part of those miracles that used to happen in Biblical times… I always hear people say “well, yeah, but back then God moved more.” How sad! How quick we are to forget how much FAITH those people had to have to see Him move! So a number was on my heart… honestly, a “you’ve got to be kidding me” attitude swept over me… but I filled out the card nonetheless. You see, I have this small “just-in-case” savings account saved for the upcoming semesters, when I most likely will be working at an internship site for no pay… and not able to work the hours I need to pay the bills. Having a back-up plan is my thing- I am ALWAYS prepared (or at least I try really really hard to be). And I have my list- my “if I can’t make ends meet how long this money will last” list. Hence why I felt the “you’ve got to be kidding me” attitude when I filled out the commitment card.
Tonight, I committed to donating a one-time gift of $1,000… and when I sealed that envelope and tossed it into the offering basket, a wave of fear swept over me. Tears streamed down my face as I felt what those priests felt walking into the Jordan. “Okay God… this for real?” But now that I think about it, deep in my soul I know that I am about to be a part of something glorious… something heavenly… something eternal. This church has been my saving grace since moving here, and ultimately a God-given blessing. I know (and am SO thankful) that I am supposed to be a part of this church and all that it is wanting to accomplish. I have been reminded of what life really is all about- something I think I was slowly losing site of. In high school I used to walk on the edge daily, trusting Him with each and every step… my passion and love for the Lord never left, I just let life, stress, worry, and busyness drown it out. I want that back. I want to be so amped for what God is going to do- for what He has done and what He is waiting on us for. I want to be dependent on him- I want to save an extra $3.60 at Wal-mart and KNOW its one of God’s provisions for trusting Him. I want to follow Proverbs 3:5-6 and ACTUALLY understand what that means. I had a Jordan moment when I moved here- 5 months ago I leaned on His every promise to make it through just one more day… and I did. He provided for me then, and I know He will now. Am I scared? Terrified. My “what if He doesn’t come through” list could be miles long…but like you said tonight, I need to practice making a different kind of list… what would NOT happen if I didn’t.
Ephesians 3:20 says He is able to do exceedingly more than we could ask or imagine through the power that is at work WITHIN us. I think too often we over look those last two words. That power is in us, requiring us to step out, to trust that He will. THIS is when we see miracles. Faith is stepping out into the unknown… knowing sure well there is a possibility of failing, but trusting you won’t. I won’t. We won’t. Crosspoint won’t.
My “what if” list is now simply- He will.
I can’t wait to see what God is going to do with not only my sacrifice but of everyone’s at Crosspoint.
He has already begun to move,
Christina
Do you have a “what if” that needs to become a “He will” ?
40 Comments:
Pete, all I can say is your blog is a daily must read for me, and there’s never a moment where I don’t get something out of it. Thank you so much for sharing this as alot of what she is experiencing I’m experiencing myself. And I so needed this word of encouragement today for many of the things I’m facing right now!!!
Lauren Kelly´s last blog ..Beating the odds, once again!
[Reply]
Lauren Kelly
7:58 am
I needed this, Pete. There are a lot of steps of faith I’ve been avoiding for a while. Thanks for sharing.
Jon Smith´s last blog ..#140Thanks: Win Don Miller’s “A Million Miles”
[Reply]
Jon Smith
8:02 am
Why does it always seem that it’s just what we/I needed to hear? Thanks!
B Stone´s last blog ..25 minutes! Say what?
[Reply]
B Stone
8:13 am
WOW, Pete….what an amazing testimony of faith…..I love it.
God has something awesome planned for Christina……and all of us…..we just sometimes need to take that first step, or leap.
great inspiration!
*~Michelle~*´s last blog ..Variety is the Spice of Life
[Reply]
*~Michelle~*
8:17 am
@Jon, me and you both. Lot’s of work to do in this area. I never want to be caught living a faithless life!
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
8:17 am
Pete: as a pastor it is easy to think “I am living a life of faith and trust.” Even then I struggle with being fiscally responsible and helping others. To save for a new bike (going on 6 years now) vs. digging into that savings to help someone or donate to a mission trip. I gotta tell you that Christina puts me to shame. May her tribe increase and may her faith increase even more as she sees God move. Thanks for the humbling story.
Bill (cycleguy)´s last blog ..Saying Nothing
[Reply]
Bill (cycleguy)
8:33 am
What an amazing letter. When I think about God’s economy and how it compares to our earthly economy the Seinfeld “Nano World” (sp?) episode comes to mind.
[Reply]
Bill Renfrew
8:45 am
I have what if’s all the time.
I have a huge dream that I am dreaming about right now and working on and I just wonder if it is a what if or a He will. I am waiting on clarity from the Lord but am continually amazed at how he provides conversations with the right people.
My what if is this: what if everyone was connected with a mentor. What if everyone was being discipled? What would that do and how would the world change?
[Reply]
Kyle Reed
8:58 am
What a great testimony. It really demonstrates where real faith lies. I think we start to believe that people with big faith are the people who seem especially graced by God. But big faith is in big sacrifice.
Lex´s last blog ..We’re too smart for love
[Reply]
Lex
9:30 am
Wow. Thanks to you and Christina for sharing this. It is so encouraging for me to watch others step out in faith when I have areas that I have been “negotiating” with God.
Chuck Allen´s last blog ..Ladies and Gentlemen, We have a loser!
[Reply]
Chuck Allen
9:40 am
I loved reading this today. I have felt for a while that God is asking me to take some steps of faith in areas of my life I never would have considered before. This is great encouragement for me! Thank you for sharing!
Becky´s last blog ..My Brother and UCP
[Reply]
Becky
9:45 am
That is an awesome testament of faith. I get tons from watching your series online. I can only imagine what it must be like to actually be there and be a part of something so amazing.
Thanks for taking what I thought I knew and thought I needed from church and turning it upside down. I’ve thought many times about how great it would be to just pack up and move to Nashville so I could be a part of such an amazing church. You’re taking what God has given you and reaching people further away than you’ll ever know.
[Reply]
Casey
9:52 am
Very encouraging! Like Christina, I had a “number” that kept coming to mind that I finally submitted to, also making the final decision during the service on Sunday.
I still struggle with the fine line of being responsible to my family and our future with faith of being such a small part in the bigger plan of making a difference in the life of others.
[Reply]
Paula
10:01 am
As of December 31, 2009 I won’t have a job. My list of what ifs is longer than my brain can handle. What will I do for money, what will I do for medicine, what will I do for health insurance, what will i do if I don’t find a job within one month (because that’s all the savings I have)? I am trying to just repeat over and over He Will. I’ve been unemployed before and was never in a situation where I was without. I KNOW He has done it in the past and I KNOW He will do it for me now, but the control in my is deadset on making plans for the what if. Please pray that I change that to a He Will and watch Him give me everything I need and more. Thanks for this post!
[Reply]
Jessica
10:09 am
I def. had that fear moment Christina talked about when deciding how much I’d give throughout this year. I knew I wanted to, I was just wrestling with the amount. Working three jobs to make ends meet as well as become debt free has turned my lifestyle into a stressed, exhausting, overwhelming, no time for me life. But I know this is what I’m supposed to be doing during this season of my life. Im also serving and volunteering and wanting to do both of these more than I ever have. I know taking these steps of faith and more as well as trusting God, believing in his promises will only be the best. As you said “Miracles always follow obedience.”
[Reply]
Katy M
10:24 am
When I was praying over FH&L, I kept having the thought come into my head that wasn’t a number but a promise of first fruits. Our house in Missouri hasn’t sold or rented after being on the market almost nine months. I felt God say that I should give the first rent payment from the house to FH&L.
Believe me…we could use that money to pay a lot of debts we built up stepping out in faith to move here. However, I said to God that if that’s what He wanted of us we would do it. I talked to Amy & she agreed that we would give it. This was Friday…I left for Africa Saturday so I didn’t have a chance to turn the card in Sunday and planned to do it when I came home this weekend.
Wednesday my wife had a call from the realtor in Missouri that someone had rented our house. So now I’m going to pray to see if God wants us to give more!
Jason´s last blog ..Hello again from Nigeria
[Reply]
Jason
10:25 am
Thanks for sharing Christina’s story.
My “what-if” has to do with a future opportunity that could have much less financial security. God is working in me and I know that even now…He Will.
Alison´s last blog ..It’s All about Choices
[Reply]
Alison
11:22 am
@Kyle Reed, those are some great questions!
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
11:51 am
I definitely have a What if that needs to become a He will! I am launching a new campus ministry at my college and I’m using some unconventional methods to reach out to classmates…the vision God gave me is totally different from advice (that has worked nonetheless) my peers and others have given me and it’s a little scary! But I’m trusting God in this! awesome post!
[Reply]
Dei
12:46 pm
Amen and Amen!! There’s nothing more exciting then stepping out in faith and watching God supernaturally provide!
[Reply]
kendra
12:47 pm
I so agree – awesome – love the Jordan moments. I no longer want to be comfortable – comfortable means I’m not moving and how can I follow Christ if I’m standing still?
[Reply]
Mela Kamin
12:49 pm
@petewilson
These are the questions that keep me up at night.
I would love to chat with you about them if you had some time?
I know you are a busy man and everyone here would love to chat with you. Just wondering if you had some time.
Thanks
@kylelreed
[Reply]
Kyle Reed
1:06 pm
Pete, Christina’s story resonated strongly with something my family’s going through right now – and several others that have happened in the past. We, too, just took a very large step of faith, and now we’re waiting to see what God will do. Will appreciate everyone’s prayers.
If some similar stories from our own past might encourage Christina, please suggest that she click on my name above this comment, then click on the preliminary copy of my book that’s there, then click on chapter 16 – “Tithes, Offerings, and Loving our Neighbors.” Then read the first four pages (two true stories). You, Pete, are welcome to read them first and then decide whether to mention them to her. But I suspect you’ll like them too.
God is good. He does amazing things when we take steps of faith. Even though we all have those long “what if” lists!
[Reply]
Pete A.
1:51 pm
Jessica, what you’re going through is a lot like what we are right now. We’ll pray for you (in fact, already did). Blessings.
[Reply]
Pete A.
2:18 pm
WOW! What a story of the moving of God’s Spirit and the impact of His Word. My daughter called the night of the commitment and was excited about how God was speaking to her to respond in faith. Thank you for being obedient to God’s leadership.
Randy Kinnick´s last blog ..I’ve Seen the Arms of Christ
[Reply]
Randy Kinnick
3:09 pm
@Kyle Reed You bet bro. Would you mind emailing me at pete@crosspoint.tv and we’ll get something set up.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
4:14 pm
@Pete A. I’ll certainly point her your way. Thanks so much for taking the time to share.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
4:15 pm
Hmmmmm… my pastor is preaching through Acts and last week brought up the subject of finances and hinted he’ll be doing so again this week.
You raise some wonderful questions. Though I’m better at being a hearer of the word instead of a doer, I’m working on it.
One of my favorite authors is Tim Keller. In his book Counterfeit Gods he writes, ” When you see him dying to make you his treasure, that will make him yours. Money will cease to be the currency of your significance and security, and you will want to bless others with what you have.”
Oh, I’m so not there yet!
Torybee´s last blog ..Tears
[Reply]
Torybee
6:31 pm
WOW!!!!
[Reply]
Gina Tynes
7:23 pm
Gives me chills. Glad to hear Christina’s story and hope that I can do the same as she has – trust God when stuff is tough.
[Reply]
Kayla Grace
8:09 pm
Yes, I have also discovered and lived the “thrill of trusting The Lord.” There is tremendous freedom and power that is released into our lives when we begin to realize that it is not our will, but it is truly “His Will that is to be done.”
[Reply]
Adam Woeger
3:40 am
My husband and I were feeling the SAME THING that morning. Wanting to get out of good size debt, knowing that his company will not give raises this year, so that they don’t have to lay off anyone (Love his company!!)But we have seen God move in unbelievably miraculous ways in the past few months and refuse to go back to comfortable faith in His power now! It was a dang good message He gave through you guys that morning! And we changed our commitment 4 times, because we were just not stepping “into the Jordon”. WE are definitely there now and SO EXCITED to see Him push back the “impossible” waters. Thanks for the push God!
[Reply]
mommycub
9:08 am
I have to share this with you all…
For the first time in a while – I’ve landed a new client!!! Not totally confirmed yet – but was asked today at a networking opp to provide a consultation – a route in our business my team has been praying for and about for a year now.
Right after that, at the end of the lunch, a former client approached me saying “I need your help – bad!” She’s working to get approval to hire us once again.
This, along with a very large proposal out – whether these work out or not – God is SHOWING HIMSELF to my team and I – that HE IS here and will provide for us!
[Reply]
Paula
1:40 pm
I think I’ve read this 4 (probably more) times already. It’s had me thinking for most of the day. Thanks for posting this Pete. I’ve been needing to think & pray about this lately & you’ve just given me the extra push I needed.
Sarah´s last blog ..Fried-day
[Reply]
Sarah
6:19 pm
Glad it was helpful Sarah. If I can help in any way let me know!
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
6:12 am
Pete,
I just might have to take you up on that offer.
Sarah´s last blog ..Showdown Saturday
[Reply]
Sarah
1:53 pm
Well I have been wanting to write this for a while now. I have always believed that things happen for a reason. Now I know why they do. A christain by birth I have never stepped up to the plate and embraced the the effects of what it means to let go and trust in Jesus. I can’t even believe I am writing this, somehow I feel like a hypocrite writing this. There is a plan and it is different for everyone, and this is KEY, if you open your eyes and learn usually by trail and error or life if you will true happiness will hit you in the face, and you will be free!! There are many examples I can give, I will offer this experience as proof. I was unhappy in my job, I went to the bar after being laid-off, terminated, with no real reason given I went to the closest bar and ordered the strongest tallest drink they had. My body was numb from the carnage just released on me by my boss. I cared about my job I was helping people everyday, however I was not in the right place, I knew it and so did he. I walked outside contemplating calling my girlfriend and telling her the news. I did and went back inside and had another. I asked why, to myself walked outside looked up to the sky, and when I looked down again I saw Pete walking down the street, he looked at me and I at him and I walked towards him, we met and I told him what happened I was ashamed for drinking and didn’t want him to know, like he didn’t…we talked until I was ready to go. I felt so much better and so emotional that I cried just a little that is. Well that doesn’t happen just by coincidence does it. I have never even seen Pete out before. I mean what a light shined on me, a flock of birds flew over when I walked back to my car looking up at the sky I prayed thanking God for everything he does for me. Open your eyes, learn to recognize, this takes your own life experience and I hope it comes sooner than later. I never thanked you Pete, thank you, and thank you God for putting him there for me.
[Reply]
Michael West
2:14 pm
to add a little to the last post, trusting in this mission empowered me to step up to the plate today and pledge my commitment to the mission. Thank you for your letter Christina,
p.s. previous post correction, trail and error, lol, life is a trail but its trial and error.
[Reply]
Michael West
2:19 pm
@Michael, God’s timing is pretty amazing. Truth is I was just getting ready to walk into that bar myself (just kidding).
Praying for you and so proud of you for trusting God during this time.
Pete Wilson´s last blog ..Bellevue Camus Update
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
2:52 pm
Wow thank you for sharing this. I think that so many moments of my life I get into the “poor me” routine and the “I am already scraping by routine”, that I don’t allow God to move and that sucks. Maybe not nessasarily with money, but with my heart and attitude and with what I refuse to surrender back to Him. I absolutely want my whole life to reflect His glory and I always seem to get in the way of it. Why do I do that?
kristiapplesauce´s last blog ..Trash
[Reply]
kristiapplesauce
11:35 pm
1 Trackback