I don’t think I know where to begin when I reflect on the last two weeks. Have you ever looked back on a time and seen that as you ran around stretched between a thousand tasks, and a hundred people, that God was working tirelessly in the midst of it all? I’ll admit that I’m surprised as I look back on these weeks and see how God has worked, I wasn’t always in tune to it. I’m humbled that he has moved powerfully, spoken loudly, orchestrated events, conducted symphonies of conversations, and never once rested.
These past two weeks have been full of new meetings, training sessions, orientations, intense planning, and countless cups of coffee. TREK training started on September 11 and we hit the ground running. As I’ve already written in past weeks, it’s been amazing to dive into the lives of these 21 people. I love them all so much. God has been faithful in showing me his heart for each one of them in new ways every day. Last night the TREK leadership team met to pray and discern team placements. TREKers don’t know what team they’re on, or where they are going when they show up here. But by the beginning of week 3 it’s been discerned. Today was the day for announcing. We revealed a list of team locations and placements this morning, and then went strait into a time of worship. Through the day I’ve had dozens of conversations where the placements have been affirmed over and over. God is good. God planned this. God has intersected each one of these lives at TREK… and now he’s shown how he plans to shape their lives in the coming months.
Last week I volunteered for an airport run. But it wasn’t a normal airport run. I picked up MB Mission’s General Director at his home at 4:30 Friday morning to take him to YVR. What was special about this is not that Randy is the General Director. What’s special is how Randy sees people. Somehow he knows what questions to ask, and just when to ask them. It’s 5AM and I’m driving down 0 Ave–a shoulderless road through the middle of nowhere, directly on top of the Canada/U.S. border–Randy asks me, “So what has God been doing in you and around you at TREK so far, Nate?” “Umm… excuse me? It’s 5AM,” that’s what I thought. But then I realized that I was struggling to find an answer. I was busy. I hadn’t been watching. The only answer I could give him was barely coherent, and probably in the end meant nothing. Simply put, I hadn’t been watching. And I knew I should’ve been. So since Friday I’ve had my ear to the ground. My eyes are pealed.
I’ve been humbled over and over again how God has worked–and is working. He never sleeps. He never tires. God has worked non-stop. I’m learning to see that in the midst of my busyness.
This morning after teams were announced and we began to worship in song, there was one that really stood out to me and has been in my head all day. It speaks to all God was, is, and is to come. It describes beatifully how he’s been working at TREK–and how he’s been working in me… even if I’m not watching. I want to share that song with you. I’m going to post a video, but I’ll also paste the lyrics below if you’d like to simply read it. But before I add the video, I want to share this: Our God is unique. There is none other like him. I challenge you to find a faith that reveals a God like ours. In all of this week–heck, in all my life–God has proven himself to be above all else. Here’s the song, Chris Tomlin, “Our God”.
And now the lyrics:
Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You
CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Into the darkness you shine
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
BRIDGE
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who can ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Amen? Yes. Amen.
He is awesome! And it’s amazing when we find ourselves in the midst of something great that God is doing. I love that place! I love being where God is at work — I suppose that says far more about me than it does about God. If my eyes were open a little wider, I might be able to see what God is doing all over — but I sure am thankful when I find myself in a place where even I can see that God is at work. That’s what I love about Camp — a spiritual “hothouse”. And that’s what I am loving about doing Alpha. Our second week — and over a third of the congregation were visitors! Don’t you love statistics
It’s true — and we’re excited. Spiritual conversations are popping up all over. I love it! I love talking about the Lord. I love hearing what people think. I am honoured to share in their story of their journey with God.
And isn’t it great when God sends “Randys” into our life to wake us up so we can begin to see what our loving God is doing! Like He’s saying (to me), “Wake up! There’s some awesome stuff I want you to join me in. Come on! Have I got some great stuff for you today!”
Our God….awesome!
Blessings, Nate! Keep your eyes and ears open.
-Greg
Indeed. All I can do is give him the glory. And thank him continuously for the Randys.
What a blessing that God is bringing people to Alpha! I’m praying that people in Canora hear his name and respond to his grace.
Thanks for this note of encouragement. It made my day.