A quarter of 2010 has come and gone. I can’t believe the snowboard DTS is about to leave on outreach. While the school has been busy in lecture, Friday night evangelism, and outreach prep, I’ve been busy at my desk watching the inner workings of a mission organization from my front row seat. And when I’m not doing that, I’m undergoing subtle yet profound heart surgery from the Lord. He has been cutting deep into what I thought I knew about Him, my self, and the world. He has been shedding new light on familiar verses, and reminding me of lessons learned long ago but not yet put into use. So far, I’ve felt like more of a spectator than a player. But, I believe, God is saying, “the time is now.”
After three months, I find myself now comfortable in my role here and the relationships I have started to build. But in YWAM, we are not given the luxury of staying “comfortable” for long. The Backpacker DTS staff have started arriving along with familiar faces. Although this new season brings shifting and uncomfortableness, it also brings new opportunities. Opportunities to try out some of the things God has been teaching me about building friendships and giving unconditional love to everyone I meet. The time is now for moving forward in the freedom to just be who I am in Christ.
This new quarter, for me, also means new responsibility. I am now facilitating Monday morning base worship. Simply, this means coordinating equipment, practice times, and band members (of which I am one). More personally, it means I hope to learn a lot musically about creating a time and space that is conducive for the audience to enter into the presence of God through the act of worship. The time is now for stepping up in leadership.
A couple of years ago, I never would have believed I’d do all the things I’ve done in the last year. I am in awe of the places God has taken me, in gratitude of the things He has taught me, and in wonder at where we will go next. For now, I am looking forward to the end of twenty ten and my parents finally visiting this place where I have invested so much of my time these last 12 months. I am also looking forward to staffing the Around the World in 80 Days DTS that will begin in February and graduate in August. The time is now for preparing and praying into the future.
None of these things is going to be easy, and I will need the grace of God to get through everyday ahead of me. Just as I have needed Him for everyday that I have already been through. There is an unseen battle going on, and the time is now for stepping in battle and fighting for the hearts and souls of those God chooses to call his people.
The Time Is Now
by: Phil Wickham
The battle line is drawn, it’s all in black and white.
Hope is pulling forward, and fear from behind, it’s time.
It’s time to make a move, so what will you decide?
The clock is ticking on, don’t let it pass you by, it’s time.
The time is now, for lifting souls.
The time is now, for letting go.
From your skin, to your core.
Let light, and love, come rushing through the door.
You’ve learned every song, memorized the verse,
Took the bread and wine, and even bought the shirt,
It’s time.
It’s time to hold your shield,
It’s time to draw your sword,
Let’s lead the resistance,
Oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord, it’s time.
The time is now, for lifting souls.
The time is now, for letting go.
From your skin, to your core.
Let light, and love, come rushing through the door.
It’s time to make a stand, so put your heart in greater hands,
From your skin, to your core,
Let light, and love, come rushing through the door.
Sisters, Brothers, thieves, and lovers,
Come uncover, eternity
Turn your faces, from fine eyed places,
Heaven’s grace will set you free.
The time is now, for lifting souls.
The time is now, for letting go.
From your skin, to your core.
Let light, and love, come rushing through the door