Lately, when people have asked how things are going, I have been using words like “trajectory” and “momentum” and “opposition” and “growth”. There is a definite feel these days that the pace of life is swift and the Christian life is counterculture. Whenever God expands your borders, giving you a wider platform or a louder voice within that culture, there is a stretching period when our capacities adjust and our boundaries re-establish. When we tackle it in our flesh, it can mean overworking and fatigue (Does God think I can really handle this?), but when we submit to his plans and to the rhythm that comes from abiding in him, it feels more like surrender (Where you go, I go.). Enter this season’s theme:

 “Whether we like it or not, we’ll do it. We’ll obey whatever our God tells us. Yes, count on us. We’ll do it.” Jeremiah 42:6 (The Message, emphasis mine)

This verse conjures up images of hands in the air.“Pick me!” A sense that whatever God calls us to, wherever we go, however deep we have to dig, whomever he calls us to love, “We’ll do it!” We’ll learn new methods, we’ll meet new neighbors, we’ll read more books, we’ll raise more dollars, we’ll welcome more kids, we’ll do whatever, whenever, however He asks. We’ll do it.

I want my hand in the air; I want to be called up to duty. I want a better story for my day than I can write myself; I want the feeling I am at the end of myself and need him for my words, my next step. On our way to wherever he calls and whatever he asks, we will need each other. We will get far more done if we work as a body, each one doing our part. So to that end, we’ll not just be exploring Jeremiah’s words, but Paul’s as well.

“Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

Put your hand in the air with us this year. Say yes when it doesn’t make sense and isn’t comfortable. Say yes to stretch and grow and break and rebuild.

Just tell him, you’ll do it.