We just began a new series in HSM (our high school ministry) called "Step by Step". The series is focused on helping our students to take the next steps in their relationship with God. To challenge them in how they view God, His Word and His plan for their lives. I really love it.
Jason Petty (our discipleship pastor) has spearheaded this series with the help of Taylor Ishii (an incredible former HSM intern and current small group leader/Fuller Seminary student). This weekend, Jason taught the primary part of the lesson while Taylor chimmed in during one of the key points.
As Taylor taught through his piece of the message God really worked in my heart. Taylor posed a question:
Are your expectations of God limiting you from knowing and experiencing the true God?
In other words, there are many times when we expect God to be a certain way. We think that we know what God wants for us (a specific job, spouse, safety, security, happiness) and when things don't play out how we think God would have them play out...we question God. All the while God is doing something in our lives and we're totally missing out on it because we are so focused on who God isn't being for us.
At times...I am like this.
This year (two-thousand ten...yes, no twenty-ten for me) I want to take the time to know and experience the true God, not the God I think He should be. I think the real one is much better anyway.
By the way, I suggested we promote "Step by Step" as being taught by Jason Petty featuring T.I. (Taylor Ishii) because I thought it'd draw a crowd...too bad I didn't mention it until the day the series kicked off.
