August 19– God Provides the Team
When God gives a vision, He also provides the provision. He never calls us to do His work without supplying the means to carry it out. Hudson Taylor
Gregg’s Reflection
I’ve always been a visionary. When I left the business world, I often sketched visions that were too large to bring to life on my own. Sara Groves sang about this, “It’s too heavy to carry, but impossible to leave.” In those moments, I would push harder, trying to pull people along who weren’t ready, and inevitably crash and burn.
Over time, I’ve learned that if the vision is truly from God, He will provide the persons of peace and the resources needed to fulfill it. It might not look the way I first imagined, and it rarely happens on my timetable, but God has always been faithful. The Spirit is already at work planting seeds, stirring hearts, and preparing teammates for the journey ahead.
Many times, it seems like I’m stumbling through the forest. All of a sudden, I come to a clearing and find someone else arriving from a totally different direction. I then become curious what God is up to in this moment. After leaving our business, I was interested in creating a leadership initiative in our Lutheran Synod. I found another layman, Al Sagar, who had recently retired from leading a college business school and moved into the Synod with a similar desire. We worked together for many years, producing wonderful fruit, and have remained friends ever since.
This truth has been deeply freeing for me. I no longer have to manipulate or control outcomes, but can trust that God will bring the right people at the right time. When I walk in His will, the team shows up—not because of my striving, but because of His provision.
Scripture
My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Ancient Quotes
Where God guides, He provides; and what He requires, He inspires.
Clement of Alexandria (Miscellanies, Book 7)
Modern Quotes
I pray for an idea, And a way I cannot see, It's too heavy to carry, And impossible to leave.
Sara Groves, the Long Defeat
When God gives a vision, He also provides the provision. He never calls us to do His work without supplying the means to carry it out.
Hudson Taylor, A Retrospect
Journaling Prompts
- What vision has God placed on my heart that feels too big for me alone?
- Who has God already provided as a “person of peace” in this season?
- Where do I need to release striving and trust Him to bring the right team?
- How have I seen God provide in the past—and how does that give me confidence for today?
Persons of peace are those people God has prepared to hear what you have to teach. Some of our closest friends and family may not be persons of peace. Bob Buford, in his Halftime workshop, taught us to ‘Work with the willing.’ What would your life look like if you made that a design principle?
Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 33 Reflection: Person of Peace