iFollow Jesus
2 Nov
…at least I try. I don’t do it perfectly, but I serve a grace-filled God who is excessively patient with me.
When was the last time you read the story of the Israelites and their journey to the Promised Land? It’s a story I’m consistently intrigued by. Probably because for many years I would scoff at those ridiculous Israelites and wonder why they were so stubborn. Then my years increased, my heart softened and I saw more clearly that the reflection in the mirror was equally as stubborn.
I’ve always boasted that I would follow wherever God leads. But that’s easier said than done, isn’t it? The older I get the more I realize that I place conditions on my ‘follow’. I commit to obey God but only within acceptable parameters. I agree to follow God but only within predetermined boundaries.
In Joshua 2 & 3 we read about the Israelites and their final step before crossing into the land of Canaan… the land flowing with milk and honey… God’s gift to His people… the Promised Land. If you read through the story you’ll see that the 2 things the Israelites were told to do were:
- Prepare
- Follow the Ark of the Covenant
In all simplicity they were initially told to prepare… do whatever is necessary, stand guard and posture yourself to move. Then they were told to follow the Ark… where God’s Spirit rested… in other words, follow the Holy Spirit.
If the Israelites did not prepare then they wouldn’t be ready to follow. If they did not follow then God would have no need to part the waters.
Several months ago I sensed that God was doing something different inside me. He was asking me to prepare. Posturing myself to move meant really empowering my team (staff & volunteers) to lead in ways I hadn’t challenged them in the past. As I waited for God to ‘part the waters’ and show me my next step I got frustrated with His perceived silence. Praying for clarity & direction, I continued to wrestle with God asking Him for that ‘next step’.
Then two weeks ago it occurred to me. My own words rang in my head, “Follow the Holy Spirit”. Though I had prepared to move, I was holding back waiting for God to show me what lie on the other side of the raging Jordan river. And yet, that’s not for me to see… at least not yet. First, I have to follow.
I had no idea what lie ahead but I knew clearly that I was still standing on the threshold of a door God was asking me to shut. So, I stepped off the threshold and shut the door.
I resigned from LifeChurch.tv as the OKC Campus LifeKIDS Pastor.
It’s an odd, surreal thing. I never imagined that God’s next step for me would be outside the boundaries of LifeChurch.tv. That’s when I understood that I was willing to follow Him anywhere… as long as it existed within the LC.tv organization. That was a sobering reality.
So, I shut the door, cleaned out my desk, packed up my coffee mug and said goodbye to an organization that has made tremendous impact on me as a leader, as a pastor and (ultimately) as a child of Christ. I’m beyond grateful for all I’ve gained in my tenure at LC.tv. I’m humbled by the care they show for me and my family. And I’m excited for the incredible work God will continue to do in my absence.
Thank you Craig, Jerry, Sam, Kevin, Sprad, Werner, McLaren, GT, Ally & Cathi. Leaders who saw more in me than I saw in myself.
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Gina, thank you for hiring me, for challenging me, for encouraging me, and for being a friend. I’m so excited to see where God is taking you. He must have something really exciting up His sleeve! I miss you already and I’m praying for your next steps.
Love ya, Cari
The “frustation” from the silence of the Holy Spirit makes the times when we do hear Him whisper to us all the more golden. We wait and wait, until the time we hear, and it can bring us to our knees. Then crossing the raging waters of the Jordan don’t seem so daunting, because of an assurance that you are following Christ. Go for it girl!
You will be missed. But I’m excited to see what God has in store for you. Best wishes on your new journey!
Gina,
It is so sad to see you go. But I know whatever it is God has for you on the other side of that door, it is going to be great! You are inspiring. Thanks for reminding all of us to follow the Holy Spirit.
Sniff, sniff….great post, we will miss u at lc.tv but can’t wait to see where the Holy Spirit guides you and watch God move mightily through you and your family on your next mission for Him. Thanks for all you have done for kidmin at lc.tv;) love ya!!
Wow. Just…wow.
I am so proud to be a LIFEKids parent that saw the grace and faith your faith brought to that ministry! You challenged me as a parent as well as a leader and as a lost child of Christ. I am amazed at your willingness to step out with imperfect faith trusting in an unseen destination, I am attempting that but in reality my attempt is nothing more than words spoken and action perceived. Thank you again for leading by example and giving me the courage to leap!
Wow. This one is going to make me think long and hard. And I am so grateful that you shared what God is doing in you. Do I put limits on where I will follow? Hmmm…
I am so encouraged that you took that step and followed. (and glad you packed your coffee cup!) Excited to see what is next!
Way to “get out of the boat”, so what is next for you?
Continuing to pray for you through the transition.
Thanks for sharing the journey with us.
Hey girl! I wondered what was up when I read your posts yesterday about being at home. I’m praying that God continues to rock your world and use you in big, hairy, audacious ways! He has an amazing plan for you and I have a feeling it’s going to blow your mind, just like the split sea blew the minds of the Israelites. I’d love to talk to you soon!
Cindy
Wow! Ummm.. WOW! what can I say? I’m sad to hear you’re leaving, but I know personally what that situation is like. The end result is so worth it! Scary, but worth the feelings that go with it. Are you physically moving somewhere? Any ideas where God is leading you? Thank you for inspiring me to be a Godly parent!
That is awesome Gina. I know that God’s plan can be shocking. We felt the Spirit lead us about a year ago to give up our our home. We moved away from family, friends, LC, our home. I found myself actually questioning our Almighty Creator about what He was doing. Who am I?? He reminded me who He is and that I need him, not the other way around. And although I wrestled with God the first few months, He has a done a work in our family that I would never trade. His blessings, provisions, teachings have been life changing. I pray that He does the same for you. May He rock your world so that all you see is HIS glory. God is GOood!!
Gina, thank you for your for sharing your heart with all of us. I know HE has perfect plans for you!
No Words; just silence,prayer,and a tear
WOW! This has kicked my metaphorical spiritual butt! Thank you for sharing your fear and faith. I too find myself in this process. Thanks for the encouragement and the kick in the pants to follow the Holy Spirit blindly. God Bless!
I miss you up there already, but have utmost respect and hope for you and your future! I have walked blindly for years, and can understand how challenging it is to be a doer when God is saying wait. Love you girl and hope to spend time with you soon!
God has used you to inspire, encourage, challenge and even slap me throughout the years. I’ve told you before that “when I grow up, I want to be just like you” – and it is truer today than ever before. Can you even believe from where we’ve come, and what God has done? Can you even fathom the thousands of people He has changed because of your obedience? Whatever God has for you, Kyle and the kids, I know it will be perfect…and I hope that He will use it to lead/teach me as well. I have a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye, but there is also joy in my heart for knowing you and for the anticipation of seeing what He is going to do!
Gina,
So glad God allowed our paths to cross. I know God has amazing things is store. It is so easy sometimes to put our ministry before our mission. It is so refreshing to see you obey with courage and trust with abandonment. Thankful to count you among my friends.
Praying God leads you and Kyle to the perfect place he already has prepared for you.
sam
Gina,
Transitions are interesting. I’m glad to see you are at least able to write about it.
I’m walking through one of those right now as well. Tough days.
Here’s some great verses that are a big time encouragement to me and my family as we work through some of this stuff.
Isaiah 41:10.
Three fears in this verse that have really meant a lot to me.
1. Fear not I am with you.
2. Fear not I will help you.
3. Fear not I will strengthen you.
Hopefully this can bring you and your family some encouragement like it has mine.
God has something BIG waiting for you.
Josh
Wow! Great post Gina what great words to soak up.
We talked with you this past Sunday @ the 11:30exp, you have such a presence about you and that will be missed.As a lifeKid parent, thank you for your leadership.
Heather
Gina, wow, you may never know how many times your tweets and blog encouraged me in this ministry thing we do. I will pray for you in the next exciting step of your journey. I also hung on your words that I just read because I am sensing something also….not sure what that is yet.
I will continue to look for your tweets and blog for the wonderful laughs, insights and encouragement. prayers.
Thank you for Being my kids Pastor. For the past Three at the movies. I hope and pray God keeps his hands. On you and your family. I will let Alex and Pyper know. About the move in your life. And to let them know that God is still with you.
Gina, *sniff* *tear* Im in shock! I read one of your post a couple days ago and it was like I was in denial mode..if I don’t read it,it isn’t happening. You have impacted my life indivisualy & as a parent sooooo much!! You gave me such wisdom filled advice when I felt overwhelmed & alone. Thank you so very much Gina!! I’m going to miss you so very very much! Makes me realize just how blessed & grateful we as a church need to be for people like you!! I know God has an incredible plan for you! Keep me updated! I’d love to stay in contact & meet for coffee sometime! I’m praying for you & your family.
God is not throug with me yet,
Vanessa
I am proud of you for loving Him enough to follow where He leads. This is the only real way to live.