Comments on: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?—4

By: Mike Bell

Mike Bell — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:45:34 +0000

Craig,

1st off, we showed your english bible message at our church on the last Sunday in December and it was really well recieved. Thanks to your team for puting together such a great resource.

2nd, talk about a dead match on your thoughts and my current situation; I just walked away from a fairly comfy worship arts position to start U.S. operations for http://www.hungryforlife.org, an organization with some unique approaches to partnering churches in the developed world with churches in the developing world, addressing spiritual poverty by attacking physical poverty. I am in the process of raising support AND an operating budget for this organization in the states…totally out of my element but unable to deny the passion God has ignited in me over this, which is truly a worship issue. Thanks for your wise words that serve to confirm my own actions, however crazy they may seem to others and even to me at times. The kingdom of God is upside down and defies human logic regularly!

-Mike Bell, National Director, Hungry For Life U.S.
https://www.bellhouse5.com
http://www.hungryforlife.org

By: anonymous

anonymous — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:32:30 +0000

Craig,

struggling through this right now. its making me have a hard time with every aspect of life. thanks for the encouragement. I’d love to chat with you for a few minute on my particular situation.

By: Terrace Crawford

Terrace Crawford — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:13:48 +0000

Craig, I just experienced this. Thanks for your insights. Say a prayer, I’m just starting in a new role.

I love reading your stuff. Thanks for blogging and interacting with your community here. We need both you and Bobby!

–Terrace Crawford
http://www.terracecrawford.com
http://www.twitter.com/terracecrawford

By: Rahul

Rahul — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:46:59 +0000

Craig,

I’ve been here for 3 years and recently it has been a struggle to be where I am. I’m praying to figure out what God has for me…here or somewhere else. Thanks

By: Tana Thomas

Tana Thomas — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:41:19 +0000

My husband and I are at what I feel like is a standstill. We are waiting to hear from God. We currently are in the process of making a HUGE decision on where to move and work, and very sad to have to leave Lifechurch OKC this summer (Our hearts feel called to start a network church/Can we do it?decisions?). Even though we our moving we know that Lifechurch is a part of us and will go where ever we go, but we also feel a very strong to desire to share Lifechruch with others. Anxiety is setting in. Nyxell:“It’s better for you to act too slowly, than to quickly when it comes to God’s plans.” I feel like its too slow! Reading your stories of stepping out and trusting God is a real support, thank you. My family and I could really use some prayer right now. Craig you always speak right into our lives! Thank you!

By: Larry Boatright

Larry Boatright — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:57:40 +0000

I’m in the midst of this myself. God spoke to me last fall about leaving the amazing church I’ve been on staff with for several years (growing, building a new facility, financially stable church, etc) and move to Chicago to serve at a church there. I really wrestled like crazy with this and to be honest it still scares the snot out of me! We’re trying to sell our house here in Texas and working in Chicago and it’s wild. However, exactly as you said, I knew God was really calling us to take a giant step of faith. It’s been great so far and scary but in the good kind of way! Praying for all of you as you take similar journeys!

By: lostbuthappy

lostbuthappy — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:19:36 +0000

My family and I followed a call across the country, literally, left a growing ministry because we felt God saying we were done. After a year, the position did not work out, but my spouse has found the opportunity we have always prayed for. Although we felt the move was because of the ministry I was leading, it turned out it was for our family. I feel lost sometimes because i can’t control the passion I have for kids to cross the line of faith, but I am serving Him in a fantastic church patiently waiting for God to reveal what I am to do next.

By: Craig Groeschel

Craig Groeschel — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:16:53 +0000

Tiffany, You are right about Dr. Rutland. I was sad to hear he is leaving SE, but know he has sought God. I love your school and hope to meet you in person next time I’m there.

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:12:54 +0000

The perfect example that this your post is so true Craig, is Dr. Mark Rutland. I am a current student at Southeastern University, and I’m sure as you know, he has resigned from SEU to become the new president at Oral Roberts Univeristy.

As he addressed the student body in chapel, he explained that he was experiencing just what this post said; that he was completely happy here at SEU and that although his “ministry” was going perfectly, God has the right to call us elsewhere.

Thank you for this post and for the investment that you’ve made at our school!

By: DuAnne Seeley

DuAnne Seeley — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:35:53 +0000

God has done this to me several times .and not only did it seem strange but everyone around me thought I was totally crazy. My first church position in my early 20’s at a church of 3000, fruitful and I loved it. I resigned out of obedience with no future plan. Within a short amount of time I was offered a position in SD and God said yes. 9 years later after one of the most fruitful and exciting ministries you can imagine God called me into the unknown again. After that God openned up a pastoral position with John Mazwell at Skyline Wesleyan. I’m so glad I was obedient…met my wonderful husband there! Change is difficult for me when it involves relationships but when I am obedient God blesses my socks off as I live it out.Ephesians 3:20

By: chejoo

chejoo — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:41:15 +0000

I love this Church (capital c).
JeffB said it best: “the fear of the chance you are taking is NOT as painful as the REGRET of never trying”. I would add that “the thrill of following Jesus is not from this earth”.
Peace and grace to all of you!

By: ftay

ftay — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:14:01 +0000

As I continue searching, watching, praying, looking, and now reading about what I should do next, I am amazed that through all the questions and hardship, God is getting me to the place where I can no longer do this myself, but instead, have to cling to the One who raises the dead (2 Cor 1.9). It’s funny when you think about it. I can whine like my 3 year old, but in fact, I could never have anything better than Him.

Struck by my selfishness….

By: txmom4

txmom4 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:44:27 +0000

I love this blog community too! I recently told a friend of mine that I have grown so much reading the thoughts and hearts of God’s people on here. And the subject is almost always perfectly timed. I read something not long ago “I’m walking with God even though I’m not sure where He’s taking me.” I think that applies to a lot of you on here, and I admire you for your faith! It’s awesome to know that you’re following Him wherever!

By: Josh - OpenArms.tv

Josh - OpenArms.tv — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:30:05 +0000

Yeah…
the other end of the equation is that directions from God are like marching orders in the army… you keep doing your orders until directed otherwise from the chain of command….

So if there is ever a question about which direction to go… keep doing what God told you to do last.

If you are doing nothing, wait for instructions.

By: Craig Groeschel

Craig Groeschel — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:08:23 +0000

I am very grateful for the way you all are encouraging each other! I love this blog community so much.

Jim, thanks for asking for prayer for your family. Got you covered today…

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:57:22 +0000

I’m experiencing growth and success in my present church, however, I feel god beginning to call me out. This is crazy that I am reading this blog today. Just today I got an e-mail from one of my members and on the memo it said “New Door!” I don’t want to leave, however, Craig your message today hit home. My vision is bigger than this church could handle. God is unexpectedly disrupting my productive ministry. The only question I have is…. to where????

By: jim

jim — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:57:14 +0000

This is a powerful post in light of where I am at currently. I am in a position that I have been doing God’s work without any faith and now I am stepping because of nudge in the right direction by a friend and see the Lord’s handy work all through it!

Pray for me as my and my family’s life changes drastically in a new adventure in the Christ.

By: Frank Lott

Frank Lott — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:50:43 +0000

This is the place that brings the most fear and peace… Which one will you make the most of….

What a great week of topics…thanks Craig!

Living Life Large

By: Chris Chowdhury

Chris Chowdhury — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:03:26 +0000

My pastor once told me, “There is only one option: God’s will.” There is no place better than that - regardless of what we leave behind. Thanks for this post, Craig!

By: TJ

TJ — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:02:47 +0000

My wife and I were in this exact position. It was hard to convince my former pastor that the only reason I was moving from the SF Bay Area to Myrtle Beach, SC was that God was calling. We left a great church, with great people, financial stability, etc. to start over, try to raise support, and join a church plant. We threw logic out the window but now we feel like we are in the palm of God’s hand.

This is the hardest to explain to people as you leave. They always think there is some underlying reason, except for those who know you best.