Mike Wagner's challenge...Relax, It's Only Uncertainty!

Real Dudes,  
There was a lot going on in our Community this past Saturday which made it so that some couldn’t be in attendance at Ox Strong, but 26 overall was a great number and still very encouraging. Thanks for your continued efforts with spreading the word about this Ministry. I must say, it was great adding two new faces to the group as well. God is building something wonderful here in Grinnell and I love how each of us have had our fingerprints all over it. Next month we'll have brother Aaron Harper speak...from what I hear he has quite the story. Please announce at Church when and if you're able. Thanks! 
Serving Alongside My Fellow Brothers-in-Christ,
Nate 
 
Brother Mike Wagner was our guest speaker and he did an amazing job speaking on the topic: Relax, It’s only Uncertainty. Below are a few notes that I took that morning. Hope his challenge will be impactful to each of you. Thank you Skip for bringing brother Mike before our eyes, ears, and men.
 
5-14-22
Here’s the link to Mike’s challenge on video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBKAGp7tLyk
 
Note…this would be a great message to forward on to any recent graduate.
Title of Mike’s Message: Relax, It’s only Uncertainty!
We live in a time when Uncertainty is amplified right now. We’re left asking ourselves a few common questions, “Do I try to fix it?”, “Do I take charge?” The answers to these questions vary between those who are Planners, Reactors, and the Retreaters. It’s easy for many to resort to becoming anxious during these times. Many are turning to things that’ll fail them, rather than turning to the Lord.
Mike encouraged us to study each other. In 2 Timothy we find that the Apostle Paul had spent an extended amount of time investing in the life of Timothy that he’d learned so much about him. So much so that he reminds Timothy of his calling, and how he needs to fan into flame the gifts the Lord’s given him.
2 Timothy 1:1-9 reads as follows…
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
Mike reminded us that we too can be an Apostle Paul to our Timothy’s in our homes, churches, and communities. Some folks are like a bag of marbles…they’re in the same bag but not connected…just bouncing off each other. What the Lord and the Apostle Paul are aiming at, is for Christ-followers to be a life giving grape that is connected to THE LIFE GIVER grapevine.
Mike took the contents found in verse 7 above and shared with us some remedies that’ll help each of us battle anxiety, chaos, and or withdrawal during times of uncertainty.
            Remedy #1…No Fear/Timidity.

• There’s no room for cowardice. In an athletic context…there’s no room for hesitation. In football we say, “hit or get hit.” As a former linebacker, Mike said he used to react by stepping into the tackle or blowing up the blockers. So, STEP INTO IT!!! Ask yourself, “Where do I need to step in?” or “What is holding me back from stepping into something that God’s fanning right in front of me?”

Remedy #2…Our Power comes from the Holy Spirit…our Creator.

• Whatever God is calling you to, just Step into it.
• This word “power” blew Timothy’s mind…it exploded for him…“I have power which comes from Him……..What?”

Remedy #3…Love.

• What is Love? It is seeking the highest good of others.
• This is sometimes easy, and other times tough. Either way…Step into it.

Remedy #4…Self-Control/Discipline.

• This is our opportunity to participate with the Holy Spirit, since this fruit comes from Him.
• In any given situation we can choose how to respond. Don’t be so quick to react. Try to understand and process what’s in front of you first.
• Remember to stay on task…stay on mission.   

 
Choosing to step into it and Disciple others…what does that look like?
 
Order of Books of the Bible to go through when Discipling someone:

• Mark
• Colossians
• Jonah
• 2 Timothy

A F.O.R.M. for a conversation starter when meeting with others maybe for the first time…ask them about the following:

• F…Family
• O…Occupation
• R…Recreation
• M…Message / Reciprocate…Now might be a good time to then share your story…info about your family, occupation, and recreation interests.  

 
The 4 chair approach to take into consideration when conversing with others…

• Some are Seekers.
• Some are New Believers.
• Some are Being Discipled.
• Some are Graduating and moving on to being Disciple-Makers. This is where the Book of 2 Timothy fits in. The Apostle Paul is encouraging Timothy to go make disciples. SEE Verses 8-9 above.
  • Rest in these truths from the Book of 2 Timothy during times of uncertainty / stepping into it…
    • 2 Timothy 2:7 (NIV) Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
    • 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV) The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 
Brother Mike has such a pastors heart for those whom God allows him to speak into. For me, I really needed the reminder to Step Into It!!! There are times of uncertainty, self-doubt, insecurities, but I need to remember Mike’s challenge and the following…

• Joshua 1:9 (NIV) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
• Luke 12:11-12 (NIV) “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
• Luke 21:14-15 (NIV) But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
• Philippians 4:13 (NIV) I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
• Therefore, Step Into It!!! He’s got you!!!