Of all the messages I heard at Catalyst this year, possibly the most impactful message to me was delivered by Priscilla Shirer.  I’ve never heard her before, and to be honest with you, never heard of her.  But that gal can preach…like, she threw it down. Priscilla is the founder of Going Beyond Ministries and the author of Life Interrupted (among others).   And God used her message to speak to me about where I am in my life right now.

Yeah, my life has been interrupted.  I’m not where I thought I’d be right now.

There have been many days in the last five months that I have really wanted to hurry through this season of my life.  For guys who often find their identity in what they do, unemployment is a wierd place to be.

I think that’s why this message resonated with me so much…because she posed the question, “When life throws you circumstances that you didn’t see coming…when life is interrupted…how do you stay fully present?”

She offered insights on Luke 24, a passage about two disciples on the road to Emmaus.  These guys were confused, doubting, and heartbroken…they felt defeated.  But even in those dark moments, God was still present…literally.  And in what Priscilla called a “behold moment,” their eyes where opened to just who exactly was walking with them.

“Being on the verge of a ‘behold moment’ is knowing our eyes can be opened to what God is doing, even in the midst of discouraging circumstances.  Pay attention, things are about to change.”

When I grabbed lunch with my buddy, Thad Sweet, the other day, I told him (between bites of greasy double cheeseburger) how my heart wants to find a rhythm and throw myself into something.  And he reminded me, “Maybe God is enjoying having you where you are right now…and there will be plenty of time for schedules and rhythms later.”  Just what I needed.  Its another reminder that God has me here for a reason.  My identity is not in what I do or don’t do.  I’m doing my best to enjoy the unknown instead of being afraid of it.  It doesn’t mean that I’m not diligently pursuing new opportunities, but it does mean that I’m not going to just run to something.

I’m finding myself in a behold moment, as God is opening my eyes to what He is doing with me and in me right now.  I’m learning God’s faithfulness, God’s patience, God’s humility in new ways…and I’m putting what I’m learning into practice right now.

Priscilla said, “We have the equipment to see hope when we are in way over our head because we have the Holy Spirit.”  I don’t know how long God will keep me where I am, but I’ll choose to be thankful for it because I know I’m not alone.  I know He is preparing my steps, so I will choose to be present in this season.