Ministry in the Flow

Peter Mel, 51 year old local professional surfer, rode the greatest west coast wave ever at Mavericks a few weeks ago.  

Having spent over 30 years preparing his mind, body and spirit…when the wave came his way, he was ready.  He paddled fast enough in the correct spot, made the steep 50’ drop, handled the difficult bottom turn and then set his course to ride through the gaping tube and finally emerged with his arms spread wide in relief and celebration.  

The great challenge was matched by great talent and preparation.  

Have you ever experienced intense challenges that you somehow felt ready to at least engage?  

I think of David’s battle with Goliath or perhaps Moses’ leading in the Wilderness.  Each were stretched to their maximum (beyond?) and yet were also gifted and prepared beforehand.  The Lord develops and shapes people over a lifetime to walk in the works that He has prepared (Ephesians 2:10).  

There is a term called “Flow” that has been coined in describing recent scholarship on this very topic.  Businesses, non-profits, educators and the like are discovering the beauty of when we reach a state of excellence and effectiveness in the midst of great challenge.  I heard about this topic in a leadership training cohort for business leaders one evening and then the same thing at a pastors conference the next morning!  

I was convinced of the need for ongoing learning, perseverance in the face of great challenge and the joy of being in “flow”.  As a follower of Jesus, there is no better flow that abiding in the vine (John 15), which is the following, empowerment and filling by the Holy Spirit.  Do you know that God loves you enough to allow/put you in situations that are very difficult, but also to prepare, gift and empower you to fulfill His purposes?  Scary… and exciting.  Maybe a bit like riding a giant wave.

What might God be training and gifting you for?