Gathered by God

“What God has joined together, let not man separate.” -Matthew 10:9
While Jesus may be talking about marriage, I believe that God has “joined together” this team. He has brought us together; let not man separate us. Today the V2 students shared about how God brought them here and I believe that is exactly what happened. God put us together. The similarities in the stories, and even what God has been teaching us recently, is beyond accidental. It’s so easy for me to see it as a random group of people with different agendas and personalities. When I see it that way, I can figure out which people I want to hang with more than others. But, the truth is, if God put us here He has a reason for every single one. Judgmental attitudes and wrong thoughts are suddenly seen as not being willing to accept God’s design for this trip. I see how easy it is for me to be the one standing in the way of what God wants to do.

He is already at work. He has a great plan for this month. I want be a part of that. Wes talked today about giving up our own expectations. If we want God to accomplish whatever He planned, our goals must go, and His must be lifted up. If we want to grow deeper in our relationship with Him, our focus must be on Him and His purpose for this month.

I am convicted. It is so easy for me to set my own goals and focus on them. But disappointment and unfulfillment is all that waits there. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

God has set a path before me. How can I say no by choosing to fulfill my “good” goals? The best is waiting down a beaten path where Christ has already walked.

“Lord, help put away my own plans and be ready for whatever you have. Let me not separate what you have put together.”