Recently, I had the privilege of hearing Emily Alexander share insights on The Great Commission. Her message was a gentle reminder: before we can go and make disciples, we must first be disciples ourselves.
In Matthew 28:18–19 (NIV), Jesus says,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”
This passage is a call to action, but it also invites us to pause and reflect. As seasons change and our roles evolve, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. But Emily shared a prayer that has been grounding for me:
“Lord, remind me of my own need for You, before I go…”
Her words felt like grace—timely, gentle, and Spirit-led.
A Picture That Spoke to My Heart
As Emily spoke, I had a vivid picture come to mind. I was walking forward, heading in a specific direction, but something felt off. Then, I realized: my shirt was being pulled from behind. It was subtle, but the resistance was there.
In that moment, I understood: when we’re actively building God’s Kingdom, the enemy wants to create resistance. He doesn’t want us moving forward. He doesn’t want our passion to ignite or our calling to burn brightly.
Do You Ever Feel That Resistance?
Maybe you’re:
- Navigating tension in a relationship.
- Waiting on an unanswered prayer.
- Feeling out of rhythm or overstretched.
Me too. Sometimes, it’s all of those at once. There’s margin—at best—but no real space.
The Gift of Space
That word—space—is what I believe God was drawing my heart toward. Space to be reminded of His promise. Space to let His voice become the loudest one in the room. Space in a full week to simply hear from Him.
In Matthew 11:28–30 (MSG), Jesus offers an invitation:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me… Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace…”
Jesus offers us a different way—a sustainable, grace-filled rhythm that doesn’t depend on our striving. It’s not about trying harder. It’s about staying connected to Him.
Recognizing the Subtle Resistance
The enemy’s strategy is clear—and yet sneaky:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” — John 10:10
For me, the resistance isn’t always dramatic. More often, it’s subtle:
- Discouragement.
- Distraction.
- Distortion.
But the result is the same: distance—from God’s voice, and from His presence. When we don’t have space, it becomes harder to recognize what’s missing.
Embracing the Unhurried Life
As we step into summer and the tension of sustaining life and ministry in a new rhythm, I pray you resist the urge to “push through” or “try harder.” Instead, make space:
- To wonder.
- To slow down.
- To read something life-giving.
- To laugh with people you love.
- To listen for God’s voice.
In John 15, Jesus reminds us:
“I am the vine; you are the branches…”
He is your sustainer.
Reflecting on Our Discipleship Journey
You—and we together—are Kingdom builders.
It requires that we are:
- With Jesus
- Becoming like Jesus
- Doing what Jesus did
Disciple-making begins with being a disciple.
I’m thankful for Emily and her timely word that moved in my spirit, and invited me to turn toward the voice and invitation of Jesus.
Creating Space for Transformation
I encourage you to create space to quiet your thoughts and become aware of God’s presence. Let go of the pressure, the unknown, the noise. God is already present—ready to meet you.
Remember: space might feel awkward at first. It’s unfamiliar. But it’s where transformation begins.
As Dallas Willard wisely said,
“Hurry is the greatest enemy of spiritual life in our day.”
Unhurried isn’t unproductive. It’s purposeful, generative, and sustaining.
Let’s become the kind of individuals who are led by Jesus first—and who invite Him into our space.
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