Creating Something Out of Nothing

(Guest Writer - Jonathan Moss, NC)

Creating something out of nothing.

You have heard this phrase used many times and with many connotations. It is used to describe what God did on in those glorious moments when he animated the inanimate and made all the things we see today out of nothing. Nada, zip, zilch. Others apply this statement to a certain time in their life where they accomplished the impossible.

Creating something out of nothing.

I am in this phase of my life. I am enjoying summer as much as the next college student. I have a full-time job where I am able to work temporarily, but it's different. I feel called to ministry, and it's not the church. I work for the rich. I make money for myself.

I was driving the other day, and it hit me. I hate being in a position of greed. I hate being in a situation with no opportunities to do 'ministry.' I mean, what real effect am I having for Him? None that I could count. But I was wrong.

Often times, I feel as though I must be in an environment that is furthering my education, fitting into my vocational "niche," serving God in ministry. But I discovered that Paul, although he was a full-time missionary, provided for himself by making tents. Indeed, Peter and many other disciples, provided for themselves as fisherman while ministering. Jesus used all these men to do amazing things while they were still "gainfully employed."

Why God didn't assign me to a certain church or a certain camp this summer? I don't know, but I can't dwell on the fact that I don't understand why God puts me in certain situations. Instead, I must strive to apply myself to God's will day by day, and be used by Him. While I am casting my fishing nets and assembling my tents, I am still on mission for Him.

You see, God is in the "something from nothing" business. Even my attempts at godliness and righteousness are cut short by sin. If I were left to fight it on my own, I would lose the war against sin. It would be like me bringing a knife to a gunfight. But God, in his awesome providence, has created something out of a whole bunch of nothing.

Creating something out of nothing.

This seems possible, and it is...except with God. Be reminded that although God allows us to be in less-than-ideal situations for what can seem to be unending lengths of time, we can still be used in that moment for His glory. God is creating something (godliness) out of nothing (you).

Margaret Feinberg has done it again. I just received a review copy of her latest book, The Sacred Echo, and I am astonished at the transparency of her stories and depth of her spiritual insights. "The real beauty of prayer is not just in the request but in the repitition. Something enchanting happens when we ask God for something more than once, as if with each request our heart aligns itself a shade closer to God's heart." she says. "We also become more sensitive to the sacred echoes of God in our own hearts."

If you read her last (wildly popular) book, The Organic God, you know how warm and rich her words can be. It is hard to be consistently great, but this book hits just as hard as The Organic God and resonates with experiences that are common to us all.

I can't say much more because I am already committed to review this book for a magazine, but I can tell you that if you have not already placed a pre-order for The Sacred Echo, you shouldn't wait. Pre-order it now, and discover the "sacred echo" that God is speaking into your life.

A new community for twentysomething women has launched, called EtL Cafe. Several men and women--including authors Margaret Feinberg and Sarah Howell--have contributed wonderful information that makes this site very promising. I also was able to contribute an article as the Special of the Week: "Green Like God."

This article profiles Emma, a 23-yr. old college student who has a heap of emotional baggage due to parental neglect. The question posed is "How many of us shirk our responsibility to take care of what God gives us?" In fact, many human beings do an embarrassing job of stewarding God's creation. Just like Emma's parents, we are guilty of neglecting creation and causing irreparable damage.

I challenge you to do what I have done. Take a moment to quietly reflect and evaluate your own life. Making small changes can make a huge impact and will help put us on the road to healing His magnificent creation. As Christians, we have no other choice but to be green like God.

When you inventory your life, are you doing a good job of taking care of what God has given you?

What more can you do that would make an impact on this earth and those who inhabit it?

This morning, the New York Times released an article entitled "Taking Their Faith, but Not Their Politics, to The People," which touches on something I have been speaking about on this forum for some time: the de-emphasis of partisan politics in the American evangelical community. The article makes some interesting and truthful points stating that young evangelicals are still resolute in their support of the sanctity of human life and traditional marriage, but they are also broadening their support to include issues like the environment, human rights, and care for the poor and people with AIDS.

The Times piece features interviews by Darrin Patrick, David Gushee, my good friend Dean Inserra, the director of Acts 29 Network, and yours truly (that's me, in case you were wondering). I think it is correct in its analysis and fairly written. It is definitely worth a read.

Anyone want to chime in on whether or not you think this analysis is correct or agenda-driven?

How do you think evangelicalism will look differently in the next 5, 10 or -- years?