The First Leg: My Support Story Part 1

Here we are in the middle of May. This year is flying by quickly. It is a little hard to believe that we are over a quarter of the way through the year. It still feels like the dead of winter at times here because it snows just about every other weekend. I am learning that living in Charleston spoiled me when it comes to weather. I miss palm trees and beaches. Being ¼ of the way through the year also means that I have been raising support for a quarter as well. After reading a phenomenal book, The God Ask, I definitely wanted to have a God sized ask. He is not only the creator of everything, but He is generous. And if there is one thing I can say with utmost certainty about what is happening with Front Range in Castle Rock, it is that this is definitely His plan. He is moving in some pretty exciting ways and I am happy to be able to be a part. But to be honest, things have not progressed as quickly as I had hoped. I truly believe we should be dreaming big dreams. After all, we serve a big God and He can do whatever He wants. It also ensures that only He can truly take the credit. But what happens when things don't go as you hope or expect? This is where I find myself today. I had been praying that I would get fully funded by the end of March. Yes, I know, it is lofty. Statistics say that it typically takes between 12-18 months to get fully funded. But then you hear stories of folks getting funded in 3 months. I know some people whose story was written that way. And as Steven Furtick once said, if your dream isn't so big that someone hasn't laughed at you, it probably isn't a God sized dream. So I set my goal to follow their story. What I came to realize is that their story isn't mine. I wrestled with that. I have been bummed out. I wondered if maybe I wasn't doing what God called me to. Maybe I heard Him wrong. Maybe His hand wasn't on me like it was on them. During that time, my wife and I had some really difficult struggles. But then I remembered that He is always looking to use a situation for our good. So I asked Him, “what do you want to teach me in this”. Over the last couple weeks, God has used some very specific people to remind me that I am a part of the story He is writing here. That I am valuable to this team. That even though I have faced challenges, He is helping me learn through them. He is helping me grow and develop both personally and as a leader. And He is trying to help me throw off some things that could trip me up in the future. This is the training ground. Will I continue to fight? Will I continue to show up, put the work in, and serve people. Will I run this race? I am reminded of Jesus being out in the wilderness, proving his mettle. He would not be moved or shaken. He knew who he was and what he was made for. Although I am nowhere near the man he is, that is how I want to face this challenge. And I will need your help.

Pastor Greg Surratt says that the best friend is the one who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you forget the words. Unlike Jesus, I sometimes forget the song. But I am thankful that I have people in my life who aren't afraid to sing it back.

For a quick update on my next steps, watch the video below: