WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”  (Romans 12:6-7 NIV)

Many years ago in Nuremberg, Germany, two young lads, Albrecht Durer and Franz Kingstein, trained and toiled to become artists.  Both showed promise and each dreamed of becoming famous.

As time passed, it became obvious that Albrecht's skills were those of a genius.  But Franz was not gifted and would never be more than an art lover.  Each had undertaken a rendering of the passion of Christ.  When Franz viewed Albrecht's lovely etching, he lifted his hands in an act of despair.

"Albrecht, it's hopeless.  I can never become an artist," he cried.  "You will be famous; I never will be."

Albrecht responded quickly, "Hold your hands just as they are.  Don't move them.  You, too, shall be famous."  Then the gifted artist grabbed his brush and painted the hands that have become famous as "The Praying Hands."

Not all of us have the same talents, gifts and opportunities.  But we all have something that can strengthen, bless or enrich others' lives.  We can use our resources to give them a productive future. 

-- Dr. Norm Wakefield & Jody Brolsma in “Men Are from Israel, Women Are from Moab”

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VISION BEYOND YOUR RESOURCES

"[Pastor,] we want to give [the church] a gift, and there are no strings attached.  But before I tell you how much we're going to give, I want you to know why we're giving it.  We're giving this gift because you have vision beyond your resources."

I'll never forget that phrase: "vision beyond your resources."

The rationale behind the gift was just as meaningful as the gift itself.  And that rationale has inspired us to keep dreaming irrational dreams.  Those four words, vision beyond your resources, have become a mantra for the ministry of National Community Church.  We refuse to let our budget determine our vision.  That left-brained approach is a wrong-brained approach because it's based on our limited resources rather than on God's unlimited provision.  Faith is allowing your God-given vision to determine your budget.  That certainly does not mean you practice poor financial stewardship, spend beyond your means, and accumulate a huge debt load.  It does mean that you take a step of faith when God gives you a vision because you trust that the One who gave you the vision is going to make provision.  And for the record, if the vision is from God, it will most definitely be beyond your means.

Having vision beyond your resources is synonymous with dreaming big.  And it may feel like you're setting yourself up for failure, but you're actually setting God up for a miracle.  How God performs the miracle is His job.  Your job is drawing a circle around the God-given dream.

"We want to give the church $3 million dollars."

I was speechless. And I am a preacher.

-- Mark Batterson in “The Circle Maker”


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