“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

I recently attended a webinar where George Yates, a former GCA staff member, was a host.  He talked about using the term “new reality” rather than “new normal” as there is not much normal about our current world.  I think that is a great description and a good perspective to help us live with intention!  As I navigate this “new reality,” I am finding the need to simplify life and figure out what it looks like to intentionally move forward.  The Lord is teaching me to “unlearn” and “throw off” some things that I have held on to – lack of faith, cultural comforts, doubt, fears, etc. and trust Him at an even deeper level. He is reminding me that He is worth pleasing and intentionally living for daily.

Last month in our blog, we talked about living with intention by finding our rhythm in this season. As another academic school year has begun, it is not at all what we had expected or perhaps even hoped it would be. We are now trying to figure out how to make the beginning of a new academic school year work – with virtual learning…working from home…with little ones at our side…with the structure for meeting in person ever fluid and the looming concern about our nation increasing on many levels.  Those who are not sending kids back to school also face challenges, and the need to find a "new reality" is very real yet challenging to navigate.

An end to the pandemic may not be near. However, there is no time like the present to refocus, simplify, take a deep breath, and experience renewal that spending time and being "simply His" can bring. Jesus’ command for going into all the world, teaching, baptizing, and making disciples has not changed.  We must continue to move forward – with intention and untangled. As He teaches us to "unlearn" and “throw off” some of the world's ways, it clears the clutter to rely on Him more completely and frees us to do what He has called us to do – to be simply His and to run with perseverance.

When all is said and done, what matters is my obedience to Christ.  Am I making disciples and teaching them to make disciples? Am I abiding in Him daily?  I am beginning to see that what stands in the way of my obedience is clutter (and sin).  What things has God been asking you to simplify in your life to see Him more clearly?  What is the one thing He wants you to do next or "unlearn" and “throw off” to fully obey Him? 

“Through every cloud He brings our way, He wants us to unlearn something. His purpose in using the cloud is to simplify our belief until our relationship with Him is exactly like that of a child- a relationship simply between God and our own souls, and where other people are but shadows.” Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, July 29.

Cathie Smith is the Ministry Wives Coordinator for GCA. She is a ministry wife, mother of three, and enjoys  Earl Grey tea, yellow daisies, all things chocolate, and talking with friends. One of her greatest passions is helping women to grow in Christ and become life-long disciple-makers.