the pitt 13: Be the Change You Wish to See in the World

Devin Odean continues from last time:

I’ve been warned not to throw ultimatums to the Lord, people have told me I might not like what I ask for-- but I’m sure that the Father doesn’t put us in a place we do not eventually gain joy, even if it takes a while.

So boldly I told Him I would do whatever He asked, fully and passionately, I would do whatever it took, and walk wherever He led, regardless of my own sight (or lack thereof) - however, I didn’t want to just be a 501c3, corporation, mundane, scheduled, Sunday-centered, “width without depth” church. If he wanted to take me on this path, then He better take us to the depth of his heart, and not allow us to do anything less. I couldn’t settle for what was easy, I wanted to truly cultivate a spiritual community, seeking deep transformation and oneness with God and each other.

I had no idea what I was asking for-- and so, the next year, was one of the most difficult “blind walks” I had ever taken. I was uprooted and re-rooted, stepping outside of my usual idea of church and ministry, to a different approach (cultivating a Faith Community, as Steven speaks of). As I moved back home I went from having the deepest community of my young life, to none at all.  The cultural differences I experienced in moving home were deflating. But this was the agreement - where He led, I would walk, and I would remain faithful there until otherwise directed. I knew that “home” was where I needed to be.  It was a rigorous and breaking season, I was learning, growing, being equipped and strengthened. Even in the hardest of times, deep joy, deep peace, deep understanding was found. I was stretched and grown, pushed and pulled.

Just as I was questioning what it was all about, just as I was getting tired of all this obedience, and having no idea where I was headed in the future...Abba consoled my heart, and reminded me of the original plan - to love others and allow Him to do the rest. The thing is, even when I was in transition, even as I was seemingly wandering without knowing where I was specifically headed, I had choices to make; the decisions that build character. I didn’t always succeed, but I didn’t always fail. When I could - I still chose love; I still chose the broken hearted, I still chose life, I still chose the Heart of the Father. I was learning to be a peacemaker when it was not the first choice, and to seek balance in my life - to seek health; health emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and anywhere else I devote my time. Of course, whatever we wish to see in this world, however we desire to see the Lord move, we must first give ourselves to that in more than words, but in action.

I found over and over, that diligence and obedience, though very dry words initially, ended up quenching my thirst, and giving me a little bit more than I needed, more to share. I was beginning to see the fruit of the journey, and began to realize that there are certain fruits that are borne in specific seasons. This season was beginning to ripen, and I could see that this path was purposeful, that what was grown and ripening on the vine, would be used. I enjoyed who I was becoming in the peaceful presence of the Father. I was enjoying the expansion of my understanding of Jesus‘ teachings, and radically, relentlessly pursing the Kingdom in all areas of life. Whole-istic living, we like to call it.   Vision began to come into being, and I was beginning to understand what community was about...what living with authenticity was all about... 

[to be continued...]