When Things Get Real Series

“When the calling is clear, walk away from the castle”

When reality sets in: Leaving security for possibility

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Stories:

- Leaving comfortable gig to join a VC firm, hoping to be on the frontline of virtual reality and artificial intelligence boom that’s coming—being a person of faith in that influential arena

- Embracing being a mom of a blended family. Might not seem as sexy but there’s nothing more important than being the MOST INFLUENTIAL figure in children’s lives

- Favor with these influencers—I need to be able to have a elevator pitch for this, or this one, depending on which doors God opens (Graeme example)

Your story will be completely unique to you.

Be in the season you’re in.

Preparing

Leaping

Leaped, now making sure you’re thinking about things right

The journey of Nehemiah is incredibly useful to use thousands of years later. That’s why I believe God saw to it that these memoirs were preserved.

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1. Invite support

And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests…I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem…By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire… The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Nehemiah 2:8,11-13,16

…continues to prepare… examine… think through…

I set out during the night with a few others

Importance of a few

If you want to go fast, go alone

If you want to go far, go with others

We don’t see a wide enough spectrum

- our vision is small

- we need the perspectives of others

The perspective of others help us see a broader perspective—a large view, closer to God’s view

- see differently than me

- see me like I can’t see myself

Nehemiah was influenced by people

He wasn’t an expert

He took their input

Personal board of directors

These people don’t give you permission (favor/blessing, last week)…these group gives you GUIDANCE

Life Group <>

Group of Six / Core Team / Personal board

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. Proverbs 12:15 (NLT)

What do you need?

Who are my FEW?

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Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances. Proverbs 11:14 (MSG)

You don’t need their blessing… but you want their wisdom.

We want to help you build your personal board—connect with a few.

We talk a lot about community around here. That can look a lot of different ways…

- providential relationships… but if you put yourself in positions where you intersect with people, good things happen

Ex: organic coaching/mentoring relationship—older guy taking younger under his wing and helping him in some areas that are strengths for the older guy, and opportunities for the younger guy

- it’s happening all over our church

- it can happen for you… you can play either role depending on your season of life

- jump in somewhere

- lead a Rooted group of younger people

- jump in a life group with older people

- serve consistently and rub shoulders with others

Don’t excuses. Make plans.

If you want friends, partners, people in your sphere of influence… make an effort in that direction. It may not take shape immediately. (Remember Hilary’s example of 2 years…)

Gather your resources.

People are your greatest resource.

Then…

2. Use your words

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. Nehemiah 2:17-18

Words create worlds

God said… and it was

And he gave us the creative gene—made in his image

You’re speaking vision all the time, no matter what

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. Proverbs 18:21

To Kids: “Use your words”

Paint the picture. Invite people into a better future.

Don’t be a TELLER… be an INVITER

Don’t be a TELLER

- “You should”