We have been attending Equippers Church here in Wellington since September and it is our first time to attend an Acts Regional Gatheriing on 10th November. Here are some of the parts of Pastor Sam’s sharing that resonated to me. Some are snippets from my notes and my own commentary on the points that he mentioned.
Go after a dream in your heart.
Have faith in the impossible. Do something outside of your ability. Don’t let past disappointments stop us from believing.
This is definitely something I have experienced before – I’ve quit dreaming because people surrounding me told me to lower my expectations – even of God. Hearing that doing something outside of my ability is something that allows me to rely on God. Accomplishing something outside of what I can do can only prove of the Lord’s bigger work in my life.
Get good at celebrating successes of others.
In the Kingdom, there is no shortage. We do not have to compete for a piece of the pie. There isn’t just one pie because we know the baker.
I personally fall into this trap thinking that my presence and the things that I can do are essentially redundant as someone is already on the job or that there is nothing more that I can contribute wherever I go. This tells me that I do not have to fear because I do have a place and that I can celebrate those who are succeeding because success isn’t just for one person. In God’s Kingdom, everyone has a place – a unique, special role that only you can fill.
Desire
Desire is a good thing. God’s desires become our desires.
Pruning and purifying effect
If you are moving forward, you have to let go of some things. Deal with baggages, confront issues. Get rid of a toxic mentality of attitude you have had for too long. Lay aside the sin that sneers at us. Pride and progress cannot work together.
We have to get rid of baggage so we can run. If we get offended, acknowledge the offense, but let it go.
This also spoke to me as it is one of my favourite sins – unforgiveness. In choosing not to forgive, I often feel that I get to serve justice for myself but I always end up poisoning myself in the process. Learning to forgive and let go will allow me to propel forward, leaving behind anything that stops me from pursuing what I am supposed to pursue.
Dependence on God
Any dream God gives you is bigger than yourself. Dependence on God also means relying on others. In the kingdom, we are not designed to be self-sufficient.
It’s a bit tough to chew this truth. I grew up thinking that asking for help is a sign of weakness and that I should learn to be independent because no one else will be there to help when I am in dire need. Yet the call is to dream big dreams, rely on God, and allow others to be used for God to cater to my needs.
Bring redemptive lift
The next generation cannot fulfill their potential unless the current generation fulfill theirs. If you are not chasing after God in old age, the next generation can not pick it up. Your kids will only reach their potentials if you reach yours.
You choose the level you’re living – personal responsibility.
God wants us to occupy big spaces. Live a life of impact.
God resurrects dreams. If you wait for perfect conditions, you will not achieve anything. There is never a convenient time for the call of Jesus.
This one was very personal to me. I used to be surrounded by older Christians who say their time is up and that God’s work is already dependent on the younger generation. They no longer needed to participate in the work of spreading the truth of God’s love and goodness as they have done their bit in their younger years.
I was completely confused and angry to hear those words from older Christians – people you look up to for strength from their faithfulness to God’s call.
Pastor Sam’s words have allowed me to relearn this one thing – that whatever age we are in, the call never changes. In every stage of our life, we are called to participate in Kingdom-building. The older generation serves as clouds of witnesses to the younger ones that faithfulness is indeed possible. Our journey never stops no matter how old we get. We can aspire and still dream big dreams whatever season of our lives we are in.
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