What Now?

I finally finished reading The Hole in Our Gospel.  So, "What now?"   That's exactly what Richard Stearns was saying at the end of the the book:  "He is calling you right now to do that which He created only you to do.  Can you hear Him?"

For the past year, God has really shown me that my heart does need to be "broken by the things that break the heart of God".  I still feel like I'm being prepared for the next step in my life; it's just not clear to me yet what that is.   Meanwhile, I've been trying to serve where I can:  my class now has an appointed person in the role of "outreach", and we have plans to help at COA where we did some painting for Serve Day; I have been giving to World Vision, and had a chance to volunteer to help with signing up sponsors for children; and,  I've been looking into volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and Samaritan's Purse.

As I am praying for where God would lead me next, I am so glad that I've been able to read The Hole in Our Gospel.  It is a book that I would highly recommend; in fact, I already obtained another copy to give as a gift.  There is so much in the book that awakens awareness of the needs around the world, inspires compassion and action, and touches the heart. 

A few of the thoughts in the book that really stood out to me are:

• It is so true that the "whole gospel" means that in addition to sharing the message of salvation,  we do need to be Christ's hands and feet
• When God calls, He really can work through so many ways; and we need to be listening, prepared, and willing
• As good stewards of all that God has given to us, it truly is important to be purposeful with our Time, Talent, and Treasure  (and our perspective on being "entrusted" rather than "entitled" can really make a difference)
• The statement that not all parts of the American Dream are consistent with Christian values really helps to clarify why we shouldn't be overly focused on seeking material comfort and success.  Instead, we should be focusing on God's Will and what His goals and plans are for our lives.

There were a couple of quotes from the book that also really stood out to me:

• "Vision without action is merely a dream.  Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world."  -- Joel Barker
• "The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just."  -- Abraham Lincoln

What a great book.  And may God truly use me for His purposes.  Amen.