“When the calling is clear, walk away from the castle”
When reality sets in: Leaving security for possibility
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Stories:
- Leaving comfortable gig to join a VC firm, hoping to be on the frontline of virtual reality and artificial intelligence boom that’s coming—being a person of faith in that influential arena
- Embracing being a mom of a blended family. Might not seem as sexy but there’s nothing more important than being the MOST INFLUENTIAL figure in children’s lives
- Favor with these influencers—I need to be able to have a elevator pitch for this, or this one, depending on which doors God opens (Graeme example)
Your story will be completely unique to you.
Be in the season you’re in.
Preparing
Leaping
Leaped, now making sure you’re thinking about things right
The journey of Nehemiah is incredibly useful to use thousands of years later. That’s why I believe God saw to it that these memoirs were preserved.
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1. Invite support
And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests…I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem…By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire… The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Nehemiah 2:8,11-13,16
…continues to prepare… examine… think through…
I set out during the night with a few others
Importance of a few
If you want to go fast, go alone
If you want to go far, go with others
We don’t see a wide enough spectrum
- our vision is small
- we need the perspectives of others
The perspective of others help us see a broader perspective—a large view, closer to God’s view
- see differently than me
- see me like I can’t see myself
Nehemiah was influenced by people
He wasn’t an expert
He took their input
Personal board of directors
These people don’t give you permission (favor/blessing, last week)…these group gives you GUIDANCE
Life Group <
Group of Six / Core Team / Personal board
Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. Proverbs 12:15 (NLT)
What do you need?
Who are my FEW?
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Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances. Proverbs 11:14 (MSG)
You don’t need their blessing… but you want their wisdom.
We want to help you build your personal board—connect with a few.
We talk a lot about community around here. That can look a lot of different ways…
- providential relationships… but if you put yourself in positions where you intersect with people, good things happen
Ex: organic coaching/mentoring relationship—older guy taking younger under his wing and helping him in some areas that are strengths for the older guy, and opportunities for the younger guy
- it’s happening all over our church
- it can happen for you… you can play either role depending on your season of life
- jump in somewhere
- lead a Rooted group of younger people
- jump in a life group with older people
- serve consistently and rub shoulders with others
Don’t excuses. Make plans.
If you want friends, partners, people in your sphere of influence… make an effort in that direction. It may not take shape immediately. (Remember Hilary’s example of 2 years…)
Gather your resources.
People are your greatest resource.
Then…
2. Use your words
Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. Nehemiah 2:17-18
Words create worlds
God said… and it was
And he gave us the creative gene—made in his image
You’re speaking vision all the time, no matter what
Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. Proverbs 18:21
To Kids: “Use your words”
Paint the picture. Invite people into a better future.
Don’t be a TELLER… be an INVITER
Don’t be a TELLER
- “You should”
- “If you’re serious about God, you will…”
- “I’m doing… so you ought to…”
That kind of crap worked in guilt and shame-based cultures, but we’re living in a culture of POSSIBILITY.
Don’t be a teller… be an INVITER
- Invite people into a better future
- Engage people with possibility
- Inspire others with hope
- Include others with collaboration
What if…
Imagine when…
I see a day when…
Join me by lending your unique genius to this worthy cause…
Here is how NEHEMIAH paints a vision…
a. the present reality
“You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire.
b. the future potential
let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem
c. the bigger purpose
we will no longer be in disgrace.
d. the passion
I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.
Your words are doing something…
- building up or breaking down
- encouraging or discouraging
- casting vision for a better future or being a downer about current realities
Use your words in your home (even when you’re tired)
Use your words on Social Media (even when you’re just responding to crazy)
Use your words when you’re talking about politics and president (even though it’s tough to find positives)
And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! James 3:10
You can’t be inspirational tomorrow if you were negative all day today. People won’t believe you… they won’t go with you…
When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. Ephesians 4:29 (NCV)
Use your words
Then… When you jump in… when you get to work…
3. Expect resistance
Embrace the price of your vision
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?” Nehemiah 2:19
Vision is easy to criticize… tough to defend
People have opinions
People get threatened
- someone else is here to change things?
- I don’t trust you. You think you’re better than me…
A mission from God is always met with resistance.
• Misunderstood
• Manipulated
• Maligned
If you stick your head above the crowd someone will a rock at you
If you step out in front to lead, someone will try and trip you from behind
- it’s part of it, unfortunately
Expect it
Don’t panic
It’s part of this journey
What do you do when you’re misunderstood, manipulated, and maligned?
You rely on the first two things we’ve just discuss:
- rely on your few
- use your words
Trust your few for support.
Get around people that give you energy inspire your enthusiasm
Use your words to encourage others and to speak truth to YOURSELF
Do you think Nehemiah never had his doubts? I guarantee you he did. But reminded himself about things that were true…
- this is worth it
- this is a mission from God
- God made this clear
- He has given me favor and a clear path
- He has gotten me this far, he can get me through today
He probably got with his brother and with is “few” and said, “Okay, remind me about crazy favor… the king blessed this, right? He rolled out the red carpet, right? God helped me inspire the people right? We’re making progress aren’t we? Say encouraging words to me. I need it today.”
You’re on a mission from God
Don’t get down when things get tough
Dig in… you’re just getting started
Adversity means you’re on the RIGHT TRACK
You might be doing a God thing if:
1. The cause breaks your heart, and you’re cultivating conviction
2. The mission aligns with your story and skills
3. God has given you favor with an influencer
4. Resources are coming together
5. There is adversity
The process of doing great things is not easy. It won’t be a walk in the park.
Building cities, empowering people, and changing culture are not easy. There will be difficulty. But God is in this. You’re just getting started.
Depend on your critical relationships.
Mobilize people with vision—make sure you’re using your words for good.
And brace yourself for the adventure.
It’s going to be good.
Not easy… but good.
You’re leaving security for possibility
Can’t have both.
