Seven Stages of Building

Vocation

When God has a particular vocation, or divine calling, in mind for us, he pursues us with invitation in order to create a vision for what he wants to give us. The vision is a gift and God allows us to choose how we respond: (1) Do we humbly receive it and surrender it back to Him so that His will may be done or (2) do we proceed as we want according to our own understanding? If we say “yes” to God’s will, three components develop: the desire for it, the ability to do it, and the opportunity. Trustfully commit to Him and begin the journey.

Consecration

The vision we receive will be manifested in the details of who, what, where, when, why, and how - all in God’s time. The next stage is to respond with consecration: a dedication and entrustment of ourselves, the work, the journey, and the blessings to God so that the “house” is built up by God’s hand, filled with God’s love, and done for God’s glory. This consecration puts us under the direction, protection, and provision of God.

Companionship

As we journey on the path He’s laid before us, we will be joined by another. Through friendship and the sharing of our stories, we may find that our vision and desires align and our gifts have a natural complementarity. By God’s design, we were not created to be alone but to love and bear fruit; this is also how the vocation will unfold. Commit to God’s will and to one another and journey together.

Emptiness

Part of the process is to purify and sanctify so that what was formed in us by the brokenness of humanity, the darkness of the world, or the spirit of evil may be burned away. We will experience periods of lowliness, challenges, obstacles, and stripping through circumstance, relationship, and inner disposition. Avoid thinking of it as a “spiritual attack” but rather being reshaped by God’s love.

Receive

The process of emptiness produces the lenses to see God’s vision for us with clarity. Now we are ready to receive the pieces to what He is building. Wait and watch for what He gives to us. God will give us the pieces in the ways that He chooses. There will be grace in the moment He gives it to us. Take courage, receive it, and walk forward with trust and confidence. There will be many things that will try to divert us from this path.

Formation

Take notice of the pieces that we are given but refrain from making judgments or conclusions. Continue to receive and respond as He directs. God’s will unfolds in His time and we begin to understand the who, what, where, when, why, and how, according to His Will. He is pouring his spirit, love, and life into the space we have consecrated to Him, that he has emptied out.

Fruit

All fruit that comes from our relationship is love because we have been formed by nothing else but God’s love. The outpouring of the Spirit fills that empty space and overflows, bearing the presence of Jesus into the world again but in a unique way. Jesus’ transforming light and grace radiate anew and touch those who enter that spiritual house or encounter that spiritual family. From here, we transition from building to living and growing.