First let me start with this: my church rocks.

The Young Adults ministry put on a conference this past weekend which was incredible and basically broke me into a million pieces (in a good way).

I went with a couple friends, ran into a couple other friends, and we kept collecting friends like stray cats (again…in a good way).

By the last day, when we walked into the church we needed a seats for nine people. I loved that. One of my favorite things in life is when my friends become friends with each other.

The conference started and we worshiped with our amazing worship team. And I felt God say, “Shepherd your row of nine.”

See, I have been so stuck in this back and forth of dreams and desires for a purposeful and significant life, and my own pride and desire for my own greatness. God keeps reminding me of the principle, the one who is faithful with little, will be trusted with much.

Shepherd your row of nine.

To me, on that day, nine felt like a lot. I was pumped to have that many friends in one row. I was brimming with tears at the blessings of the beautiful people surrounding me. I thanked God for where He has me, who He has given me, and what He is doing all around me. I am honored and humbled to be where He has placed me.

So dreams. How do we remain content in our circumstances and still dream for more? How do we both give thanks and reach higher?

Shepherd your row of nine. Take care of what God has placed in your hands. Be responsible, faithful, and dedicated to those in your care. And see what He does.

LORD,

We are selfish, distracted, needy Israelites. Always looking for more “stuff.” More approval, significance, likes, followers, recognition, power…Would you make us more like Moses – would we only be concerned with going where You are. Would our hearts only desire to worship You and make Your name great.

Help us shepherd our row of nine. Give us the strength and patience to do what You have called us to do today, so that we can continue to build Your Kingdom.

LORD, would we not complain or try to escape the desert seasons, but know that they are equipping us and building us into people who can handle the Promised Land. Would we know these seasons are for character building, so that someday, because of our faithfulness with our row of nine, we can faithfully shepherd nine hundred. Not for our glory, not for our Kingdom, but for Yours.