The Practice Field - repost

I think one of the most helpful things we can do for the next generation of leaders is to allow them to express their sense of what God is doing in their lives and to practice what they have learned from scripture.

I am finding that people, especially young people, are not interested in what you have to say until they are sure they have said- or will be able to say - what they want to say. It's a by-product of a generation that, for the most part as children of the Boomers, has been indulged or over-indulged.

I know this: God expects a lot from them. So much has been given (Luke 12:48).

In giving them a place to practice what they know, we provide an opportunity to succeed. A place where the principles that scripture is instilling in them get tested and pass, building faith and confidence in the character of God.

And practice isn't the same as observing. They have far too many opportunities to just be an observer. Practice means walking in the place where THEY are responsible for recognizing what God wants to do AT THAT MOMENT.

Dr. TL Osborn once told me that most of what we call the "anointing" comes from having experienced God's Presence in a similar way or circumstance. The more we see God move through us, the more sensitive we are to recognize what He is doing and what He wants to do next. That prepares us for expecting the miraculous on a regular basis. You know where He's going because you've been there before. That confidence comes from seeing Him move and looks like spiritual insight.

Are you in position to encourage a young person out of their comfort zone and into a place where they can learn to recognize how God moves - in and through them? You are in position to shape the next generation.