Now Is The Time

I am always looking for bits of wisdom from people.  You know, those things people say that make you stop and think.  I try to collect them and review them from time to time.
Sometimes two or three quotes from different people come together for me, which happened recently.

“If you are not leading with a little uncertainty every now and then you are not leading by faith.”   – Craig Groeschel

I wrote this quote from Craig Groeschel’s speech at Catalyst last Fall.  It came back to me since our country is past the election process. It seems even though we have elected our officials, uncertainty predominates our country.  Church leaders need to lead by faith in our God.  What does leading by faith look like?

“Faith is only real when there is obedience, never without it, and faith only becomes faith in an act of obedience.” – Dietrich Bonhoffer

I believe if God is calling us to act we have to act now.  Despite the economy, the rhetoric, the worry, and the uncertainty, God is pleased with our immediate obedience.  Our society and culture is turning more and more against Christianity today.  The church needs to be strong in making a real difference in people’s lives.

Fear of the economy and worry over the unknown future has hampered church leaders for too long.  I listen to church leaders who are worried about making a mistake.  We all make mistakes.  When you make a mistake please remember this quote.

“God will never be handcuffed by your failures or unleashed by your successes.”  – Jon Acuff

If we think we can screw up God’s plans we have too high of an opinion of ourselves.  God doesn’t need us, but, he chooses to work though us so we can fulfill our purpose on this planet.  Now is the time, step out in faith and obey what God wants you to do.