The seas can be rough, but as long as the location is mapped out and we keep our eyes on the navigation, we will arrive at the destination in one piece.
I’ve been finding out how important discipleship is in life. I look back at my life and at how my dad and mom modeled to me how to live a honest, humble, practical life. On DTS, last year, the discipleship was taken further by teachers and leaders. I realized a life following Jesus is challenging, but worth it. I learned many of the things I once thought was legalism, when done out of resting in the knowledge that our heavenly Father loves us helps us be better followers of Jesus.
Instead of being taught a rule like the bible must be read every day, it turned into a value like reading the bible helps us connect with our heavenly Father and feeds us our daily bread. It’s the why behind the rule. All of a sudden, I was being challenged to read, pray, fast, worship not out of guilt but out of a hunger to know God more. Its the perspective that counts. Without discipleship, I wouldn’t have gotten that revelation.
Now I am entering a season of being able to disciple others. It’s quite intimidating to think about. I’m 26, fresh out of the same training program these students are going into. As in everything, the reliance on God is going to have to be the priority in my life. He will give me and the rest of this school wisdom if I ask for it.
Its quite a privilege to be on staff at this Discipleship Training School. There is a fear of the Lord that I am aware of. It’s His sheep. It’s an great investment He has placed on me, my fellow staff, and leaders. I’ve seen leaders do some “right” things and “wrong” things, but what I’ve noticed is that God has a level of grace. There has to be because we are all human and make mistakes. Its the popular saying here in YWAM, “If you do the possible, God will do the impossible”. Its true even when it comes to leaders. As long as we are trying to disciple students and make them better disciples of Jesus, God honors it.
Its great that we aren’t alone in the discipleship process! This campus has an amazing resource of wise experienced disciples willing to pour their knowledge out on the students. On my DTS, speakers and leaders were expanding my knowledge and wisdom while the Holy Spirit was ministering to my heart. It will be amazing to be able to partner with the Creator of these students and point them to Jesus and watch as they transform into the loved creations that they were meant to be. We have a partner in discipleship that is more committed to the students than anyone in the world!
A big revelation is that discipleship doesn’t end. Not even when your 50 or 80. We should always be in the process of bettering ourselves to the likeness of Jesus, the model of humanity.
Lord, have your way in this school. Guide us staff and leaders into a deeper understanding of what it means to disciple and be a disciple. AMEN
Feel free to give feedback or thoughts on discipleship. I’d love to learn more.
(Photo: Taken in Kona as we volunteered for the Ironman Triathlon)
My wife and I are part of the Awaken Community. We desire restoration and reconciliation in the broken and lost. We both love God and are committed to following his will. I enjoys taking photographs of my travels as well as blogging about awesome things God does or teaches me. To see more photos, visit our gallery. More about Calvin and Camille
2 Comments
Wow! this is exciting!
melodie
6/21/2010
I know I (and the rest of the staff) can barely contain my excitement for this school!
Calvin
6/22/2010
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