Atlanta, GA 2009: With an endless stream of cable cars coming and going, it is time for Trent Ling to let God handle the heavy lifting and the impossible growing of people. Perhaps Trent and Siauw will have more time for checkers with their homegrown delights, Arianna and Isaiah.
From Trent Ling:
The Bible encourages us to keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25. This charge requires our own submissively weaned spirit with a dogged determination for God’s face. Conversely, the unloving are exposed in being driven utterly batty by God’s moving targets of times, seasons, races, and callings. But, for those after God’s heart, we merely want to know what time it is.
Accordingly, I recently reduced my ministry role to that of an evangelist, as the ministry really needs nothing more of me at this point in time. Accordingly, I can just say it, proclaim it, and offer it. I’m under no compulsion to inject it into anyone’s bloodstream or force-feed it down anybody’s throat.
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7.
Certainly, the Scriptures’ squaring of these facts relieves all undo pressure. I claim expertise at not being anything. Hence, I’m hired! Plant, water, plant, water. Amen that God handles the impossible task of growing people into something and manages the war room assembled to get right every time the provision of grace and mercy.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7.
In reality, I’ve mocked God by trying to deliver those who’ve not sown deliverance. I’ve mocked God by helping, cajoling, and calling those whose interest in God pales when compared to the pre-requisites. Beyond mocking God, I’ve overlooked the immutable law that no matter my effort or interest, a man will reap what he sows. Historically, I’ve spent much time and energy trying to spare the earth of the starkness of this straightforward truth. Such efforts have had their place and have played their final seasons. However, prayerfully, I will wholeheartedly and mindfully join a fresh season and calling despite the resistance of most of my earthly fibers and notions.
I half-believe that a year of me not lifting a spiritual finger would leave the ministry in no better or worse shape. Similarly, I half-believe that a year of me bouncing house to house, living among the disciples in the ministry, and micromanaging them all-day, every day, would also leave the ministry in no better or worse shape. What I do is of marginal significance in light of God’s heft unleashed in “God makes it grow” and “A man reaps what he sows.”
I must change; the time has come. I must do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5), and join the humbled creation by waiting “in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.” (Romans 8:19). Given my druthers, I’d flail at it forever. Amen for a God who has relieved you and me of me.
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