I got back last night from Nairobi and I had yet to finish up a lot of work for the class I began today in biblical counseling as part of my D. Min. program. I had a great trip along with the seven who went with me. If you want to check out my travel blog for our time in Kenya, you can go here and, once you register, find it using the search name CUBM.
Many people tell me they will do anything that God wants them to do, and that's certainly a good thing. Yet when some tell me that, it isn't an expression of faith; it's a statement of unbelief. How can saying, "God, I will do whatever You want" be a statement of unbelief? For that answer, as you know by now, you will have to read on.
A PIANO FROM HEAVEN
When some say, "Lord, I'll do whatever You want," they are really saying, "Lord, I have no intention of doing anything unless you can prove to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is something you want me to do." They are saying, "Lord, if a piano falls on me unexpectedly and pins me under its weight, then I will know You are trying to get my attention." All the burden of proof and initiative are on God and you have no role in the transaction except to respond to circumstances just about forcing you to do something.
This of course is not faith. To assume that God must answer all your questions and soothe all your fears before you can be expected to take the first step is anything but faith; it is presumption. You are presuming that God owes you a big, fat confirmation before He can ever expect you to move. So unless something unusual happens, like being trapped under a falling piano that could only have been sent from God, you will carry on with business as usual, since the ball is in God's court.
SO WHAT'S A PERSON TO DO?
You are not to wait for the ultimate confirmation before you act. You must take faith steps today to prove whether or not your idea or plan began in the mind of God. If you aren't sure if God wants you to write a book, then you should write it! If it's not His idea, you will know when you can't finish or publish it. In most cases, however, once you start, you will see that He meets you more than half way. The confirmation you need will not come to help you start, but to help you persevere.
So what can you do today besides waiting for the piano to fall? You can make a trip, compose the song, write a letter or develop a plan to help prove that you have a valid idea. You can stop waiting for God to do what only you can do. You can stop wallowing in presumption pretending that it's faith, that God owes you special treatment so you won't look foolish or fail.
A piano hitting you from on high isn't a good thing, so stop making that the sign before you go forward. Instead have faith and act today. You will be glad you did, for being trapped under a piano sent by God isn't a good place to be. Have a great week!
Feel free to write your comments to this entry on the site where it is posted.
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THE SOPHIA FUND: Even though I just returned from Africa, it doesn't mean that The Sophia Fund will be suspended. I will continue to receive contributions and send them to Africa through reliable sources. Therefore, if you haven't sent anything yet, you can still do so. Every penny you send will go to feed the poor in Zimbabwe and Kenya.
You can read about my rationale for The Fund here (named after my late mother) that will help feed widows and orphans in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Please consider a contribution of at least $5 toward the fund and hopefully more. You can use the "Chipin" widget on the Monday Memo site to contribute, or go directly to my website to contribute there through PayPal, or send a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Make sure you let me know it is for The Sophia Fund. Don't delay; give today and make a difference in the world.
The most recent posted entry about The Sophia Fund is here.
BIBLE STUDY: Due to schoolwork and my travel blog writing while in Kenya, I am behind in getting the fourth installment of my Bible study from John's gospel to you. I will do my best to get it to you later this week. If you would like to check out the first three or subscribe to receive them as they are published, you can do both here.
As a peace offering for the delay, I am attaching my March collection from A Daily Dose of Proverbs below.
Dear John Stanko,Greetings to you in Jesus name. I have been waiting and looking forward to the day I would contact you and thank you for the many encouragements you have been bringing my way ever since the first time I heard from you in Nairobi Pentecostal Church Valley road several years ago. It is no coincidence I am writing this a few hours after your recent trip to Kenya. I am Kenyan and I have been sooo blesed by your ministry especially the monday memos. Its unfortunate that I have never made it for any of your other functions in Kenya as most of the time I am not in Nairobi. However I always try to pass word around to my friends who can make it for some of your meetings.Too much history, Now to the real testimony:This coming Easter monday, I will be birthing several children that I have been conceiving. I have been pregnant with triplets!! As they have been dear to my heart, and a major part of my purpose, each of these 3 projects being birthed represent a long journey, that has seen God meet me more than halfway after I begun.1. I will be launching my consultancy firm- StarNet Consultants.2. I will be launching a ministry/ my NGO called Star Hadassah Foundation. This will be the philanthropic arm of StarNet consultants.3. I will be launching my first 2 books that are being published namely treasures in sack clothes (though the name might still change) and the challenge of over nutrition in developing countries. WAU!! I am amazed at what God has done and is still doing in me and through me. One of the people and ministries I will be appreciating is YOU. How I wish I could have you there in person to accept my baskets full of thanks giving. Whether or not you will be there in person, just know that someone somewhere in Kenya has really been ministerd to by you as a result of which she is ministering to others. And to God be the glory great things He has done. I am glad I did not wait for the piano to fall from Heaven. And I will not wait anymore even as I continue dreaming and devoloping my visions and fullfilling my purpose on earth.
God bless you mightilly and I look forward to reading your next monday memo.
Posted by: Estar | February 24, 2009 at 03:51 AM
Dear John
Thank you for being an inspiration to me.i have been reading your memos and this particular one came late.i read it and it tuoched me like none youve ever posted. i just want you to know that i realise my mistakes and i'll start getting off my butt and do something about my dreams and aspirations without waiting for a sign from God because it shows i have little faith in him.Have a blessed week.
Posted by: Belinda | February 25, 2009 at 11:24 AM