Where and when did the vision begin?

A decade ago a group of church small group leaders attended a retreat hosted by a Canadian church in a remote corner of the United States. It was held at a small conference center nestled into the foothills of the Cascade mountains, a place called Cedar Springs.

During the retreat we watched a video, “Outside the Walls,” and then split into groups to discuss the impact of it. The video described how businesses within our community organized to absolutely fill our city’s food bank. Great! But it doesn’t sound too spectacular, right? Well, for me that was the seed. I cannot recall the specifics of the discussion questions, but I vividly recall my mixed feelings of bursting excitement and bitter discontentment during what I can only describe as, ‘an epiphany.’

The idea that the secular community could organize so effectively to accomplish a goal that the local churches had neglected prompted the discontentment and perhaps some incredulity. This is not how Christ intended His Body to function on earth! However, knowing God’s heart and God’s limitless abilities filled me with excitement. Can we see this level of organization within Christ’s Body – the Church – during our lifetime? Infinitely better yet, can God use us to develop this?

The answer to the first question may be disheartening. I have been reminded of Hebrews 13. Many faith leaders never saw the visions they were given come to fruition in their lifetime. Even so, walking by faith it was credited to them as righteousness. Be that as it may, the second question is far more exciting even if we cannot see the end result. Yes, if you pray for God’s will in your life and set aside your will, not only can God use you, but He absolutely will!