So July happened, then half of August too…Life is such an odd combination of incredibly fast weeks and agonizingly slow days. But hey, God is still so good!
With this post I just wanted to catch you all up on my plans for the future and what’s going on now to get me there; so the big news, even though many of you already know, is that I accepted an intern position with Athletes in Action in Xenia, Ohio starting this winter! This position will be in the basketball department where I will support the planning and operations of different academies, events, and other logistical duties. It will be a way to gain experience in what it takes to run a successful sports ministry in the States, especially the behind the scenes work, and I can’t lie, moving south before the Minnesota winter fully hits is a nice perk too. For now though, my time is spent working at Menards (if you need some flooring or blinds let me know!) and preparing for my AIA commitment; meaning, fundraising!
Now, I’ve done fundraising before but this is a little different. Rather than one-time donations, I’m going to be looking even more for ministry partners. These partners will commit to most importantly praying for me and my ministry consistently, but also supporting me financially. I won’t know what my total yearly goal will be until the end of this month but just the thought of it has honestly been a bit daunting at times.
It’s like, yes, I know God will provide and yes, I trust Him; and yet, doubts still creep in and the task of starting this again can weigh on me a bit if I don’t give it up in prayer. When you think about it, any move towards God and His kingdom will be obviously met with spiritual resistance and yet, how often do we forget about what we can’t see? It’s a war out here guys!
So, in all that, I like to encourage myself by revisiting how God’s come through in the past and I wanted to share part of a blog from almost two years ago (how have I been doing this that long already!). I remember writing this about a month before launching on the World Race and wow does it ever still ring true. My prayer for myself and everyone reading this is that we would hold onto and meditate on these truths throughout our days. These are applicable regardless of what we’re facing in life, and the voice of the Father is so amazingly, even surprisingly, comforting.
Enjoy!
(From December 2018) …What I can easily tend to forget in these tough times is that there is something that matters even more though, and that is:
What my God says.
So, in all that, I like to encourage myself by revisiting how God’s come through in the past and I wanted to share part of a blog from almost two years ago (how have I been doing this that long already!). I remember writing this about a month before launching on the World Race and wow does it ever still ring true. My prayer for myself and everyone reading this is that we would hold onto and meditate on these truths throughout our days. These are applicable regardless of what we’re facing in life, and the voice of the Father is so amazingly, even surprisingly, comforting.
Enjoy!
(From December 2018) …What I can easily tend to forget in these tough times is that there is something that matters even more though, and that is:
What my God says.
I think to myself: I don't know if I'll have everything prepared!
God says, "I didn't spare my own Son for you. Will I then not graciously give you all things? (Romans 8:32) I will supply every need you have according to My riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19)
I think: I'm not ready or worthy to go or to represent You, God.
God says, "I don't look at your appearance or stature. I don't see you as men do. I see your heart. (1 Sam. 16:7) I chose you before I created the foundation of this world, have adopted you as my child, and I take pleasure in you." (Ephesians 1:4-5)
I think: my mind is so clouded, and I can't see where I'm going. I feel like I'm losing my way.
God says, "My thoughts and ways are not your thoughts and ways. My thoughts and ways for you are so much higher than yours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) My word, My instructions for your life, will light your way." (Psalm 119:105)
I think: God, I'm so tired. I don't know if I can keep going.
God says, "Come to Me. I am gentle and humble in heart and will give you the rest you are looking for. (Matt 11:28-30) Then you will renew your strength and will rise up. You will run and not grow weary. You will walk in My way and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
I think: God, I'm fearful of what's to come, of leaving things and people behind. Of starting anew.
God says, "Don't be scared or fearful. I am your God and I will help you. I will give you strength. I will hold you up. (Isaiah 41:10) Don't worry about the past. See! I'm doing something new in you. It's coming! Can you see it!! I'm making a way for you through anything that stands in your way. (Isaiah 43:18-19) I will reward you for your faithfulness." (Matt. 19:29)
In the last week, I've been reminded of the importance of speaking life to myself, of listening to what God is saying to me through His word, of how little my problems and worries really are and just how big my God really is. I've been reminded that if I seek His kingdom above all else, that He will provide the rest, the time, the resources, and the opportunities. (Matt. 6:33) I've been reminded that I need to let God have the final say.
So, to close:
God says, "I'm thinking about you. I'm thinking of the future you will have of peace and hope. (Jer. 29:11) Everything will work out if you just love and trust Me. (Romans 8:28) I love you so much that nothing you can possibly imagine could separate you from Me." (Romans 8:38-39) Now go. Love others as I have loved you." (John 13:34)
God bless all!
Ben
P.S. My ministry partner development ramps up quite a bit after this month so if you’re interested in partnering and supporting my ministry, I’d love to talk with you! Even if you’re just curious about what exactly I’ll be doing, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d love to know how I can be praying for you specifically too.
Just a small-town Minnesota boy following Jesus in a big world. Make sure to subscribe and follow along with this crazy adventure! God Bless!
God says, "I didn't spare my own Son for you. Will I then not graciously give you all things? (Romans 8:32) I will supply every need you have according to My riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19)
I think: I'm not ready or worthy to go or to represent You, God.
God says, "I don't look at your appearance or stature. I don't see you as men do. I see your heart. (1 Sam. 16:7) I chose you before I created the foundation of this world, have adopted you as my child, and I take pleasure in you." (Ephesians 1:4-5)
I think: my mind is so clouded, and I can't see where I'm going. I feel like I'm losing my way.
God says, "My thoughts and ways are not your thoughts and ways. My thoughts and ways for you are so much higher than yours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) My word, My instructions for your life, will light your way." (Psalm 119:105)
I think: God, I'm so tired. I don't know if I can keep going.
God says, "Come to Me. I am gentle and humble in heart and will give you the rest you are looking for. (Matt 11:28-30) Then you will renew your strength and will rise up. You will run and not grow weary. You will walk in My way and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
I think: God, I'm fearful of what's to come, of leaving things and people behind. Of starting anew.
God says, "Don't be scared or fearful. I am your God and I will help you. I will give you strength. I will hold you up. (Isaiah 41:10) Don't worry about the past. See! I'm doing something new in you. It's coming! Can you see it!! I'm making a way for you through anything that stands in your way. (Isaiah 43:18-19) I will reward you for your faithfulness." (Matt. 19:29)
In the last week, I've been reminded of the importance of speaking life to myself, of listening to what God is saying to me through His word, of how little my problems and worries really are and just how big my God really is. I've been reminded that if I seek His kingdom above all else, that He will provide the rest, the time, the resources, and the opportunities. (Matt. 6:33) I've been reminded that I need to let God have the final say.
So, to close:
God says, "I'm thinking about you. I'm thinking of the future you will have of peace and hope. (Jer. 29:11) Everything will work out if you just love and trust Me. (Romans 8:28) I love you so much that nothing you can possibly imagine could separate you from Me." (Romans 8:38-39) Now go. Love others as I have loved you." (John 13:34)
God bless all!
Ben
P.S. My ministry partner development ramps up quite a bit after this month so if you’re interested in partnering and supporting my ministry, I’d love to talk with you! Even if you’re just curious about what exactly I’ll be doing, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d love to know how I can be praying for you specifically too.
Just a small-town Minnesota boy following Jesus in a big world. Make sure to subscribe and follow along with this crazy adventure! God Bless!
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