Back to Basics (Kona SLAM, week 1)

Aloha from the Big Island!

Last week our classes started for the Spiritual Leadership And Ministry seminar (SLAM) here in Kona Hawaii.  As classes began and I struggled to re-acclimate to the YWAM atmosphere, I felt a little lost. Life was so different back home. I have to admit that my relationship with God had grown cold, and now I find myself at a spiritual leadership school. Who do I think I am? What qualifies me to be a leader? The truth is, at this point I don't think I am qualified to formally lead others, but by the end of our first week the Lord began to change my perspective. I was feeling insecure because my pride didn't have anything to go off of. I didn't feel spiritually strong or exceptionally skilled, and God knows I have made countless mistakes in the past. But I finally realized that I'm not here because of my 'qualifications', but because of my calling, and at the center of that calling is relationship. God is constantly calling me into deeper relationship with Him.

When David Hamilton (former president of YWAM) was speaking about the importance of spending time in God's Word, he touched on a fundamental truth; "True love is this - to make the dreams of your Beloved come true". When I dream about the future I've often pictured greatness, but it's not about my own personal greatness, it's about God accomplishing great things. If I'm ever operating out of my own strength and understanding I feel completely overwhelmed when looking towards the future. A daily relationship with God is the only viable way to move forward. My eyes must remain fixed on Him. True love must be my motivation. The dreams that stir within me are God given, and it is His desire to partner with me to make them a reality. I don't want to be a 'great man' to fuel my own pride, I want to be 'God's man' to delight His heart. That sentence hit me after reading Psalms 131.

"My heart is not proud, Lord
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself
I am like a weaned child with its mother
like a weaned child I am content.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord
both now and forevermore."

According to Jim Stier (this weeks speaker and founder/director of YWAM Brazil) the only thing that will transform us so we can be co-participants in the divine nature is Jesus Christ within us. One thing we need and cannot forget, to sit at the feet of Jesus and let Him teach us.

Calling and direction for our future comes out of relationship. As we love Him, spend time with Him and ask Him questions, He will speak.

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." - Exodus 14:14

He has put my insecurities to rest. I am here because He wants me here. I am here to grow closer to Him.