Baby steps

< Back to blog index

Woo hoo, great news from the James household.
My baby daughter took her first steps this week; a lot of clapping and cheering from me and mummy. I'm not really sure she knew what all the clapping was for but she thought it was well funny! In fact me and my wife do a lot of clapping and cheering at the moment, every time Bella does something new like take a step, say a word, clap to a song, - thats what parents do!

I know I'm biased but she is awesome.

I was just thinking though; wouldn't it be wierd if when she get's to the age of 16 we're still doing the same thing? Every time she spoke or took a step we shouted good girl and gave her a kiss!

Sometimes as God's children, I think we expect that kind of affirmation from God and the people in our world.... let me explain what I mean.

The first time you tackle a new thing or take a big step of faith for God (in the worship context that might be leading for the first time, or writing a song) you feel God's hand of comfort, a 'Well done'. Often people congratulate you and you feel like a  hero and you know you did it in God's power. The thing is next time you do it and the next and the next, maybe you don't get the congratulations,  maybe you don't feel God's presence in quite the same way... Why??? Cos you're growing up.

When you've conquered that situation and God has moved on and  called you to your next challenge, there's always further and higher to go in God. Don't hang round waiting for more applause but move on to the next thing God has called you to do!

I used to finish leading worship and wait for people to  tell me how great it was (sad or what) -  I had to get that revelation that it doesn't matter if no one says "well done", it doesn't matter if I don't feel the reassurance of God, what matters is I stand confident in doing what I know God has called me to do and that I chase after God, keeping reaching and keep climbing!

I suppose what I'm trying to say is this -  keep going, keep reaching - we can't do what we do addicted to approval from people, neither can we expect God to pat us on the head every time we get something right!

We're men and woman of God, not kids! Surely the only way to go is to grow up, press into God and reach for the next level!

Any one else up for the challenge?
Jock

Comments:

Posted by 'Mr K' on Thursday, February 19, 2009 8:53 PM

Woot - YEAH for the first steps, my daughter is not much older and I loved watching those first steps. Isn't it amazing how God uses our kids to teach us, to show us insights & to encourage us? Thanks for the encouragement this morning (well it's morning here as I type) to keep going, keep reaching. May you continue to feel deep in your soul the blessing of God as you walk, worship and equip. K.

Posted by 'Richard Betambeau' on Saturday, January 17, 2009 1:19 AM

Hey, that's really helpful, about not needing people's approval and stuff. This has encouraged me in growing in God. I can really identify with that waiting for people to tell me how great I'm doing etc! Aw that's brill - I didn't know Jock had a daughter and was married!

Posted by 'Nick Franks' on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:29 PM

High qual mate...high qual.

Posted by 'Joe' on Monday, January 19, 2009 3:16 AM

Wow, that's so awesomely true! Never thought about it but I've kind of grown up without realising it. This should be a great lesson and challenge to give to some of our younger ones and the ones new to our fold. Thanks for the wisdom Jock! All the best to your family and the new addition!

Posted by 'Leanne Macduff' on Saturday, February 21, 2009 10:20 PM

Hi Jock, My names Leanne Macduff and I just wanted to say thank you for your baby steps blog. You were bang on the beat! I've always had a passion for singing/worship and writing. On the alc academy (class of 2007!) I discovered I could write songs and sing! Since coming home, over last year and half ... I have struggled to get out the songs...i think i backed off cause it wasn't as easy as was the first time. I had no Gordy on keys, lol, no feeling presence of God. I think i became passive and it frustrated the life out of me. You have spoke into what has been a continuous battle for two years. Although I've recently moved myself to re-start keyboard/singing lessons etc I can't tell you how much you've encouraged me. And can I just say how cool it is that you have become a dad since Academy for me. Big thanks Jock.

Add a comment: