“Sometimes, dysfunctional bulbs don’t warrant discarding; they simply need a tighter connection to their power base, and they’ll light up once again.”
When the glow fades and purpose feels obscured, remember, it might not be an end but a call to grasp a deeper connection with your source of power. For us, that source is found in the quiet reassurance that God has not left our side.
God promises to meet us in our moments of need, to guide our paths and clear the way ahead. He will show up, and when He does, the path will light up again. With each step reconnected with God, your purpose will not only become clearer but will shine brighter than ever.
Your current dimness should not have permanence. Just as a bulb reconnects to its power source, you too can reconnect with your Maker. It’s never too late to reach out, to pray, to immerse yourself in scriptures, or simply to sit in silence, seeking that divine connection.
Missional alignment is about being in line with God’s heart for the world through you. God initiates the process, and it is His grace that sustains and powers this journey. We, in turn, are invited to respond to His initiative, joining Him in a divine dance of transformation and purpose.
Proverbs 3:6 states “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This truth affirms that God’s grace removes obstacles and clarifies our direction, making our paths conducive to walking in His will.
In the same token, Galatians 5:25 begins with a recognition of a fundamental reality—we live by the Spirit, which is itself a gift of grace. The life we live is already under the influence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. We are called to keep in step with the Spirit, which means our daily walking is more about maintaining the rhythm set by the Spirit than creating our own path.
The Story of Mekuriya
Mekuriya Tilahun was a gifted evangelist who long served the Dilla region with a divine gift of discerning spirits and inspiring evangelistic preaching. God’s presence in his life was so evident that the demons would cry out and leave the afflicted in- dividuals when he encountered people possessed by the devil, even in marketplaces. However, there came a time when Mekuriya strayed from his path, making poor choices and abandoning his ministry. His church prayed diligently and fervently for God to guide him back into his service.
Years later, Mekuriya returned to the church, ready to publicly confess his mis- deeds. As he prepared to address the congregation, a demon-possessed individual began to taunt and confront him. Despite this provocation, Mekuriya managed the situation patiently, assuring that he would deal with the demons after confessing his misdeeds. He initially resisted standing at the altar due to the weight of his sins. Nonetheless, he requested forgiveness from both God and the congregation with the utmost sincerity. His remorse was accepted, and he was granted full forgiveness. Subsequently, Mekuriya approached the possessed person, relying on God’s power of forgiveness, expelled the demons in Jesus’ name.
Spiritual alignment is a process whereby Christ’s work of making us right with God is exemplified in our daily walk with him and the purpose he has given to us on the world. This internal trans- formation then radiates outward, becoming an intimate journey where our thoughts, words, and actions are aligned with his will. Moreover, it permeates our relationships with people around us, manifesting God’s power and acts of kindness, understanding, and respect, thereby impacting a community that mirrors the kingdom of God on Earth.
Missional Alignment and Practical Perspectives: The ALIGN Model
Missional alignment focuses on God as the initiator of spiritual path and connections, with our responses being acts of participation in His divine purpose. Here’s how each phase of the ALIGN model reflects this dynamic:
A – Accept God’s gracious Invitation:
God extends an awe-inspiring invitation, offering us a relationship filled with His transformative power and presence. Our response is to accept this invitation, opening our hearts to His grace and preparing ourselves for a life aligned with His purposes.
L – Learn to Surrender in Worship
God manifests His sovereignty and greatness in our lives, calling us to recognize His authority over all creation. We learn to surrender, choosing daily to submit to His rule, allowing His spirit to transform us into faithful worshippers who reflect His glory.
I – Intentional Engagement with the Word and Prayer
God communicates through His Word and Spirit, providing guidance, comfort, and correction. Our intentional engagement with the Word and prayer is our response to His voice, a commitment to deepen our understanding and strengthen our spiritual resilience.
G – Garner the Power of Love and Unity
God demonstrates His love through Christ’s sacrifice, calling us to live out this love in unity and humility. We garner the power of love and unity, responding to His grace by fostering compassionate relationships that mirror the love of Christ to others.
N – Navigate Impact
God empowers us through His Spirit to enact change in the world, equipping us with the tools and opportunities to make a difference. We navigate impact, using our spiritual growth to influence and transform our communities and beyond, aligning our actions with His mission of redemption.