Learning From Last Year

Reflecting on 2018 has taken more time than previous years. To put it simply – a lot has happened. Some great things and there were also some low points. I want to share 4 big takeaways (lessons learned) from 2018.

Be intentional but flexible.

Be vigilant and alert to breakthrough opportunities and God-affirmed invitations to new initiatives. Be quick to listen and widely read. Ask God every day to sensitize your awareness to the thresholds that you could step through.

Allow for margin when dreaming.

Not every thought is from the Lord. He did, however, create us to be thinkers and even creators (note the lower c). This past year, I’ve had many great thoughts. Some may even impress the biggest of critics.

The lesson learned: Some great ideas are not meant for NOW. Maybe, the timing isn’t right for your family. Maybe God is still orchestrating and lining things up.

Put others first.

An accountability partner who loves you and clearly “gets” the vision associated with the new idea is a must. Carve out time to meet, talk, dream and pray regularly and often. Be transparent – open. Be authentic – welcome this person speaking truthfully and bluntly into your life and the new idea.

Multiply.

If a new idea doesn’t result in the reproduction of Christ-followers and ministry leaders, then the endeavor is incomplete. It has to come full circle.

Ephesians 4:11-13

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Equipping people is multiplication!