Can You Out Run Grace?

“Jonah was not content to simply tell God no. He went in the opposite direction.” Stanley pg 109

I’m guilty of doing this myself.

While I’ve never ended up in the belly of a whale, I’ve visited some dark places. Places I knew reeked of my own self will. Places I had to learn to accept God’s way instead of my own.

Like Jonah, I often need to spend some time in a dark place before I can really let go of my agenda and accept God’s.

“…I don’t think it took three days for Jonah to change his mind. I think it took three days for Jonah to learn his lesson.” Stanley pg 111

Keep in mind that prior to being swallowed by the whale, Jonah had tried “suicide by sailor” rather than repentance. Simply put, “He would rather die than go to Nineveh.” Stanly pg 110. And so God gave him time to rethink that…what better place than inside a whale? 

That is grace.

Grace gave Jonah the time he needed to realign his thinking.

God could have simply said, “Okay, you would rather die than repent and accept my will, you’ve got it. I can find someone else willing to go and warn Nineveh they’re in trouble.” 

But God didn’t do that. Instead, He allowed circumstances in Jonah’s life to bring discipline which produces repentance by those who learn from it (Hebrews 12:11)…and Jonah learned- sort of.

Jonah did repent, but he still wasn’t 100% sold out on God’s plan (again, I’m guilty of this).

While he was quick to accept God’s second chance in his own life, he was less than thrilled for God to grant it to the people of Nineveh. 

But God wasn’t surprised by this grudging attitude.

He knew Jonahs heart…and He knows ours.

The journey to Nineveh and call to repentance was as much for Jonah as it was for the Ninevites. 

God’s thorough in His discipline and His grace. He makes no mistakes.

When He calls you to do something, often the journey is just as important as the end result for its during the journey (the dark places) that growth occurs. Thank God for His grace to help us during each step of our voyage. (tweet please)

At the end of the 8^th Chapter of “The Grace of God” by Andy Stanely my heart was pierced by these questions:

“Who are the Ninevites in your life? Who are the people to whom you have a hard time extending grace? Whose calamity do you secretly celebrate? Who do you secretly wish would get what you think they have coming to them?” Stanely pg 117

We all have a bit of Jonah in us. 

We all need HIS grace to carry us through this life.

So as you go throughout your day, I pray you ask yourself these questions and let God’s grace shed light and love on the answers.

To read more thoughts on this chapter head over to Jason, Sarah, and Dusty’s blogs (and links to others who are participating in this book club). 

Have a grace filled day!

Interview with Kimanzi Constable

I had the privilege of being part of Kimanzi's Launch Team for his new book, "are you LIVING or existing: 9 steps to change your life". I wrote an honest review of the book here. As part of the launch team I didn't have to post an interview of Kimanzi, but I want to. I want to share with you about the man behind the book.

1.     One of the things I’m most impressed with about you is your time management. How do you balance pursing your dreams, helping others, blogging, responding to emails, following Christ and spending time with your family? 

It's a constant struggle TC but the key I've found is balance and boundaries. I sat down with my wife and we worked out a schedule where I could work on the things I need to and still spend that quality family time. I have to have the right balance and that starts with putting the Lord first, not me :) 

2    You mention God and Prayer more than a few times in your book. Explain the role Christ plays in your endeavor to help others achieve their dreams?

Your dream has to come from Him. The thing to understand is He puts those dreams in our hearts and minds, we have to listen and see which ones are from Him and which ones we just want to do. It’s easy to get wrapped up in a dream that you want and then try to justify why you think it’s from Him, that’s a dangerous road to go down! When it’s from Him you still have to take action on that dream but He will honor your actions with results. 

3. How do you manage to stay so personable and humble? I mean, you actually follow other people’s blogs and reply to emails! There are many “leaders” out there who say they want to help people and yet they remain distant from their followers. 

I never EVER want to feel or act like I’m better then anyone else because I’m just another sinner saved by His grace. I love people and truly believe in really connecting with them. If I become a NY Times best selling author or some ‘famous” person I would still do the same things, I never want to get too “Big”, I will always remember where I came from and who helped me get to where I am now. 

4.             What challenges has your wife and kids faced as you’ve pursued your dream?

The biggest challenge they’ve faced is dealing with me sometimes. I do my best to keep a balance but sometimes I get TOO focused where I don’t pay attention to them because I’m so wrapped up in what I’m doing online. This has been a three year journey and at times they haven’t always loved my dream because I’ve pushed too hard. I’m so grateful for them and they are my life, I just have to unplug from time to time to really appreciate that. 

5.              What’s been the biggest surprise since launching your new book, “are you LIVING or existing? 9 steps to change your life”?

The biggest surprise has been the amazing support and help I’ve had launching the book. They are a ton of posts, interviews, and shares. I had a launch team, so I expected that but what I have not expected is how over the top they have been about getting the word out. When I woke up this morning and say all the shares and what was said, I cried, it was overwhelming (in a good way)! Thank you!

6.              Tell us about your upcoming projects?

Up to this point I have talked about a lot of different things but going forward I want to focus more on my core message: I help people stop settling, stop making excuses, so that they can live the life of their dreams. 

I have talked a lot about ebooks, speaking, marketing but I want to focus, speak and create products that are all about helping people figure out what their dreams are and how to create a game plan to make them a reality. 

I plan to launch a podcast, and the biggest thing coming up (you’re the first person getting to hear about this TC) I will be hosting a “Are You Living or Existing” conference! 

7.              How can people contact you/follow you? (provide links to your FB, Twitter, Blog, etc.)

I’ll make it simple, you can find me at http://kimanziconstable.com. From there you can find all my social media links and a bunch of other free content! 

8.              How can people purchase your books?  

You can get the book at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Books a Million or wherever books are sold. If you have a local bookstore, ask them to carry it!

Who I Am...

Something’s been on my heart lately… but I was hesitant to share it with you. After reading my friend, Lincoln Parks’ post last week, I felt compelled to get personal. 

When I read comments in my posts, I’m often stunned speechless.

 I’m humbled and in awe of your kindness. That you read my words is amazing, that you think it’s worth praising blows me away!

I want to thank you all for your encouragement and generosity of uplifting words. There are days it motivates me to keep blogging/writing. God knows we all need edification and I thank you for helping build me up.  You are a treasure!

But something troubles me. 

I feel I somehow give you a false perception of who I am.

I am not wise.

And I feel far from being a leader.

What I am is a growing Christian.

I struggle with:

Time management

Perfectionism

People pleasing

Depression

I’m guilty of:

Trading “good” things for “God” things because I get impatient and want to DO something

Comparing myself to others

Asking for God’s help yet not listening to His answers

Thinking my worth is based on performance

I’m scared of:

Sharing my insecurities with you

Failing… and sometimes of succeeding

Complete surrender to my Savior (yet I push forward anyway and continue to die to myself so that HE might be glorified)

There you go…

I’m human.

I hope you will forgive my imperfections and keep reading my blog.

I hope you won’t view me differently and start thinking my posts aren’t God inspired. 

I am HIS servant… and yours. 

All things good on this blog are from Him…anything less is me getting in His way.

I thank you for your friendships.

I hope you feel encouraged today as you realize we all are human and need His grace.

And yes, His grace really is enough! 

^"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 NIV

God bless.