the ministry of availability... and what webster's and we have in common

Part of what I feel God has called me to in this season of ministry is availability.  A typical week usually holds a few one-on-one connections — sometimes they are new faces, and sometimes we’ve been walking together for a long time.  This weekend, two of my cultivate ‘dates' were of the ’slow to harvest’ variety.  

One was a woman I met 5 years ago.  At a freedom weekend, I watched Jesus deliver her from the vise-grip of anger and unforgiveness. The picture we took together after that prayer time still takes my breath away because of the obvious transformation in her countenance (and the memory of His presence in the room).  I learned so much, and was so challenged and encouraged by what God did in that prayer time.

She called me tonight and recognized some of the old familiar lies creeping back in.  From my vantage point, I can see how far she has come, how great the distance between then and now.  But all she could see was what she was getting wrong.  Where she was stuck.  Friends she had let down.  People who rejected her.  She just needed someone to remind her of truth and to help ‘lower her through the roof’ back to the one who can truly heal her.  Maybe she needed a practical idea or two about how to kick out the lies and walk in more victory.  

It’s not complicated or fancy.  It’s just TIME and truth, and the presence of Jesus.  Sometimes I feel like I'm fumbling along, trying to find the exact right next step, and then God reminds me to just be available.  

Make time.  Tell the truth.  Love big.  

Walk with people into His presence.  

I love hearing the stories of how God uses the simple YESSES of others.    Sabrina tells her clients how she met Jesus while she cuts their hair.  Ryan disciples student leaders in friendship with Jesus.  Hunter teaches football players about the power of surrender.  Vicki is still mentoring women she met 40 years ago.  Joshua is preparing to lead a sending base, leading youth who believe the power of the gospel is for NOW.  Jesus, help us be ever looking outward, always looking to participate with you as you reveal yourself to the world.

I’m trying to get better about telling the stories of how I see God working, to be clear about what I believe He is asking me to do with Cultivate.  The ‘looking ahead’ dreams haven’t really changed, but until a next step for those unfolds more clearly, I want to share the day-to-day testimonies too.  If you’re new here and don’t know what the ‘looking ahead’ dreams are, you can click here to read more.

And here’s a little something else that might help answer the question “Why”?