To make things more challenging, my college basketball career wasn’t extraordinary, and I didn’t have any formal theological training. But you know what? That didn’t stop the Lord from leading me on an incredible journey around the world after college, where I got to share Christ through basketball. From the mountains of Peru to the rice fields of the Philippines, we played games in Olympic stadiums and small villages alike. It was during these travels that I witnessed the heart-wrenching realities of hurt, poverty, and spiritual lostness that truly broke my heart.

One particular moment stands out in my memory. I was on a plane, flying over Chile at an altitude of 38,000 feet when I had a heartfelt conversation with the Lord. I told Him, “This world is so vast, and the problems are so immense that I honestly don’t know how I, just one person, can make any difference. But I can’t just go home and forget about all I’ve seen. So, Lord, I surrender my life to You. Do whatever You choose with it.”

God is drawn to a broken spirit. He loves and responds to those who know they are desperately dependent on him. He rejects pride categorically because the proud aren’t aware of how much they need God. They are self-focused and self-sufficient. But the contrite and humble know they need him. He delights in making himself known to them and lifting them up (Isaiah 57:15).

We can see an example of this broken spirit in Nehemiah. One of his most powerful and revealing prayers shows us the kind of humility God loves. In his plea for his people who had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild it, he worshiped, confessed sins, and appealed to God’s promises (Neh. 1:5-11). He demonstrated a high view of God, an accurate view of himself, and a commitment to God’s agenda.

In other words, his prayer was all about God and His purposes. His heart was broken over the plight and pain of God’s people; he cried out in desperate dependency seeking God’s intervention. God had done a profound work in him.

Do you want God to work powerfully through you? Then he must first do a profound work in you. He always works in us deeply before he works through us significantly.

That means that before we rush into action and try to accomplish His purposes in our own strength, we must go through a journey of becoming completely dependent on him, learning to rely on his strength rather than our own. This is where great works begin. In that place of dependence, God births vision, gives wisdom and direction and works powerfully through his people—just as he did with Nehemiah.

If that’s your longing, position your heart before God as Nehemiah did. As you seek God’s will for your life, ask him to take you deeper. Get into a small group, dive into some of our resources, and let him speak to you deeply through His Word. Surrender yourself to whatever He says, trust in his promises, and move forward in faith as He leads. The posture of your heart is a vital component in a life of impact. Today, millions are hearing of the God who saves, intervenes, heals, and restores because you give to support broadcasts to train pastors, and create Living on the Edge Discipleship resources. Ordinary people like you and me are making an extraordinary difference in “their world” and “the world”.

Please, step out and let God break your heart and discover your purpose. And please give this month to help us help others just like you.

Thank you for making a difference in your sphere of influence.

Pressing ahead together,

Chip Ingram
CEO and Teaching Pastor, Living on the Edge

P.S. I want to thank you for supporting the Mid-Year Match. Your financial support enables Living on the Edge to provide pastor training and transformational discipleship resources all around the world.