The Call To GREATER

About two years ago, I met a guy named Nate. We were both working out at our local Y when we struck up a conversation. He told me that he was just about to go on this adventure called The World Race. He explained it to me and told me all about the exciting things that he was praying to experience. He suggested that I check out the website and "Like" it on Facebook. I did. From there, it never really crossed my mind again…until about six weeks ago.

My Church was just about to start a series called "Not A Fan" based on the book of the same title by pastor and author, Kyle Idleman. I am on staff at my Church and knew this was going to take place, so I downloaded the book ahead of time to get a jumpstart. I finished it way before my Pastor even started the sermon series. It was that captivating…and convicting.

The main question of the book is this: Are you a deeply committed follower of Jesus…or are you just a fan, an enthusiastic admirer who cheers from the sidelines? As the book went on, I realized that in most areas of my life, I was nothing more than a fan. My relationship with Jesus has never really cost me anything, it hasn't really ever taken me out of my comfort zone.  When you hear people's testimonies, you hear them say statements like, "Being a Christian has cost me a relationship with my family." Or, "Following Jesus has cost me my best friends." Well, I was "raised in church" and have always had solid, Christian family and friends around me. On one hand, this has been truly a blessing from God. On the other, it hasn't require much faith and trust in Him on my part.

The last three chapters of the book are titled, "Wherever", "Whenever", and "Whatever," respectively. They challenge you to go wherever God is calling you, whenever He wants you to go, and to give up whatever it takes to do it. The very minute I finished reading those three chapters, I switched from my iBooks app on my iPad to the Facbook app. The first post hat popped up in my Newsfeed was from The World Race. It said something like,  "Hurry up! July 2013 Routes are filling up fast. Sign up today!" You see, before that post, I haven't seen one from The World Race since I first "Liked" two years earlier.

I knew in that moment, God was calling me to greater things, to do greater things for Him. My life has been great, yes. I've had a great family, I did well in school, I graduated from college, and now, I am employed by my Church as the coordinator of our Kindergarten through sixthe grade ministries. Those are all great things! However, I believe God is calling me to greater – GREATER things, GREATER impact, and most importantly, GREATER faith in Him.

I know this journey is going to require a great deal of sacrifice, commitment, and trust, but I have realized that is what being a follower of Christ is all about. My name is Clay Holst, and I am NOT a fan.