Malinda Fuller

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Big Events & Big Faith

 
I love being a part of something big. Something great. Something purposeful.
 
Yesterday was one of those days.
 
And to top it off, I was able to observe my husband doing what he does best. With laser-sharp intensity he managed people, details and schedules like a rockstar.
 
He’s been “in the zone” for the better part of the week. Which has made home-life a bit challenging, but our conversations and prayers deep. And as much as I dreaded the insanely-long work days, I knew their necessity. Actually, it was somewhat nostalgic.
 
I remember these weeks like it was yesterday:
 
 
Walking into a big venue days before an event.
The seats empty, the field bare.
The smell of the dugouts and locker rooms (not the most pleasant aroma).
The cool damp of the tunnels, and ramps up into the concourses.
Looking up, and then down, from the club levels and suites at what is yet to be.
My heart always full of prayerful anticipation. Hope. Excitement.
 
 
And then, hours or days later, as sound checks start, and volunteers arrive, the anticipation would grow.
It almost filled the building in a tangible way. 
And when the doors opened, and the masses filed into seats, the excitement would crescendo into the event opener. (Sigh)
 
 
The work leading up to such a large event is challenging. Teams plan and make decisions, and then later everything changes. The key is being flexible, which also means learning how to sleep anywhere, because the hours are long. But being “in the zone” is also so exhilarating! Andknowing that you are part of something big, something great, something purposeful – is powerful.
 
 
It’s thrilling to be a part of something that’s never been done before. Truthfully, most of us don’t want to waste our time going after what has been accomplished already. Because it’s boring. Old. Easy.

Maybe that’s why I hold so tightly to this promise from the book of Ephesians:
 

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us (chapter 3, verse 20)
 

That is what was celebrated last night: God working in and through a group of people of unmatched vision, wild dreams and incredible faithfulness. They dared to believe that God can do anything.Beyond their wildest dreams, best guesses, or sincere requests.
And it is that truth that keeps the faithful moving forward in the midst of challenges and when others fall away. This verse overwhelms us with a renewed sense of purpose when the questions and doubts surface.
 
We all want to feel that we are part of something of significance. Something bigger than ourselves. Something requiring daring faith.
 
And I promise you that a life with God, will always be those things.