As we count down the days to our very first vision night, I find myself experiencing a unique dichotomy of emotions. On one hand, an overwhelming sense of excitement that we finally have the opportunity to gather together and share the vision that God has set before us. At the same time, a timid sense of fear and trepidation that the vision set before us is more than I am equipped to accomplish.
Leading others to experience immeasurably more by inviting them to exchange the common for the holy is an exhilarating expression of the great commission but I have no doubt that it vastly outpaces my skill and ability. While I wholeheartedly believe the city is primed and ready for a church that plants churches in neighborhoods and communities across Orlando, I’m not sure that I have the wisdom or understanding to see the vision through to fruition.
Perhaps, at some point, you have experienced a similar paradox as you contemplated the calling God has placed on your life. You certainly are not alone. I am beginning to understand that this is the providential way God works in the lives of his people as they pursue him.
In fact, King Solomon’s now infamous prayer for wisdom was a result of the desperation he felt as he recognized the overwhelming weight of responsibility surrounding his calling…
And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:7–9 ESV)
While you and I will likely never equate the weight of our calling to that of Solomon, anointed as King over Israel, it's almost reassuring to recognize that God called him beyond his capacity.
In fact, I would suggest that if our vision doesn’t outpace our resources we should question the confidence we have in whether we have fully realized our calling. As we see in both the Old and New Testament, God continually calls his people beyond their competency so they will lean in and boast in him.
The Apostle Paul went as far as to boast in his weakness because he was confident in his calling…
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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 12:9–10 ESV)
In the face of anxiousness, excitement and everything in between I have learned to place my confidence in my calling, not in my competency.
I am confident in the God who has called us through Christ to plant Eastside Christian Church, and I am sure that he will see it through to completion.
While you may not be called to serve as King over Israel, take the gospel to the ends of the earth or even plant a church, I am confident that God has called you beyond your competency. In your weakness, his power is on display!
If you feel that God might be calling you to partner with a church that strives to serve beyond its capacity, we would love to invite you to our very first vision night to find out more.