Zebra Ministries: Say What???

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Say What???

2 Timothy 1:11-13

And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

Good morning Zebras,

Over six months ago I prayed to see God as He is and not through my American eyes and the result has been that God has “grown.”

Of course we all know that God doesn’t really grow, He’s as “big” today as He was yesterday and just as big as He will be tomorrow because He is unchanging. Immutable is one of His attributes, but my perception of Him has certainly grown and I don’t believe I am anywhere near finished.

This has all made me very sensitive to certain words and phrases Christians say, words that are really quite harmless but perpetuate our misunderstanding about God.

For example, someone shared on Sunday “It is difficult to trust God.” And I heard God say: “It shouldn’t be.” I have said those exact same words a hundred times, but is it really difficult to trust God? I don’t think it is IF we really know who He is. If we know He is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving, trusting Him should come easy.

Secondly, Christians sometimes say “God needs me to ....” No, He doesn’t. It doesn’t matter what you are talking about God didn’t need you to do it. In His sovereignty He allows you to do things, He desires for you to do things, but He doesn’t need you to do things. God can use rocks-He really doesn’t NEED our help.

A related thought is “God has to…” as if God owes us something. He doesn’t, we owe Him. God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness, it is our responsibility to add to it. He has already given us eternal life, and He didn’t have to give us that, everything else is just gravy.

And finally, Christians love to pray “God be with us.” God is always with us. He lives inside of us. He walks with us every day, through everything, at all times. We never need to pray that God will be with us.

As I read the New Testament, I am constantly challenged by Paul, Peter, John and the rest of the apostles. I keep thinking “How did they do it?” How did they stand up to torture and persecution and hardships? How did they keep going and not get discouraged.

What I have decided is that they knew God.

Love,
Jill

1 comment:

Jill GetchellOctober 28, 2010 at 8:53 AM
Laura's comment: Maybe alot of what we say as Christians is up for interpretation...and we can get as philosphical as we choose. I believe that God "has" to keep His unwavering promises that He made to me and all mankind. Afterall, He is unwavering...But at the core of that, God made the decision to do just that when he didn't "have" to. It is up to me to receive those blessings He promised me...and God "needs" me to let go & let Him move in my life. If I keep holding onto my earthly ways and fears, then God's works will be lost in the turmoil of my life. I tend to screw things up when I try to do it myself. God is all powerful, but my earthly perception makes me believe that He needs me to strive to love and trust him Him as much as He loves me. He is the giver of all and Master of the Universe. I guess it is like the little kid who draws a picture for a parent. The parent doesn't need it, but the effort and love put into that crayon scribble sure does warm the heart of a loving caregiver. Alot up for interpretation based on where we each are in our walk...I view God as not only my creator, but as my perfect parent...I will never grow up and be an adult, but I will always be His child who needs His guidance & protection & love....and He gets my respect, love and obedience...when I am being a good kid!
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Why Zebras?

In the summer of 2008 I was looking at a herd of zebras in a wild animal park and commented to my son that I didn’t understand why the lions didn’t just eat the zebras because their markings make them so obvious. He told me that the opposite was actually true. God has marked zebras so when they hang together in a herd, their stripes create the illusion they are one large animal and therefore too big to attack. It is the lone zebra that is usually eaten. The same is true of Christians; we must hang together and encourage each other to fight off the lions. The lone Christian is easy prey.

1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Therefore:

Zebras was started to encourage women who desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, who want their lives to be transformed to honor God and who are willing to be “zebras” in a world of “horses”. Zebras exists to reassure you that you are not alone and that God has called you to be peculiar. As a peculiar person you should look different than the world

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Pastor Endorsement

Jill Getchell speaks from her heart and from God’s word in a way that brings encouragement and hope to God’s people. I’ve been blessed to hear her at Awana conferences, a women’s retreat, and from the pulpit of our church. I am confident your people will be equally blessed by spending the day with Jill at We Have Hope...your church will be blessed as well.

Pastor Al Marks

First Baptist Church Vallejo

I have known Jill for many years now. She truly desires to encourage the churches in our community and to strengthen the believers that attend our churches. Her passion for Jesus comes out in her ability to speak, and her heart is to encourage all those that attend to go back into their churches and be a blessing.

Pastor Kelly Patchin

New Harbor Community Church, Benicia

I believe women are vital to the unity and health of the church. They bear the image of God and serve Him in a great way within His church. Zebras has the ability to unite and excite women to grow in their faith and in their relationships with each other. In John 17:20 Jesus says, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” One of Christ’s last prayers for His church is that they would be one as He is with the Father. And through our unity the world can come to believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. Unity is essential for a healthy church and healthy relationships between women. Zebras can stimulate healthy growth in the spiritual lives of the women in your church too. It is a blessing at New Harbor and I believe it would be a blessing for any pastor to have in their church.

Kelly Patchin, Pastor
New Harbor Community Church

Testimonies

The Zebra herd has given me the opportunity to be myself. I think we all have a face we put on for others, especially on Sunday. We don’t want to let anyone see the pain or hurt we’re suffering because we feel that it’s a reflection on our walk with Christ. I now have a group of loving Christian women with whom to share the joys and sorrows equally… Without the Zebras, I’d still be wearing my Sunday face. ...............Dawn C.

The Zebra ministry has deepened my relationship with Christ and the women at my church beyond what I thought possible... Most importantly, it has given me a safe place to be very, very real… I have learned how to be transparent and allow my fellow Zebra sisters to support me in prayer and God to minister to the deepest part of my soul--the part that needed it the most.................... Jennifer H.

When I came to New Harbor Church I was so lonely. I knew I needed the fellowship of other Christian women but did not know if I could break out of my self-imposed isolation. I felt unworthy of anyone’s friendship, let alone" godly people"... But Zebras has made me feel the true acceptance of these wonderful women. I have slowly opened my heart to them, with their encouragement and love! I don't have that heavy ache of solitude anymore. ................Barbara B.

I was with you in the beginning meetings of the herd and watched it evolve into a place where we as sisters in Christ could share our burdens without judgment. Being a Zebra helped me through a very trying time- Leap of Faith– leaving a relationship, selling my home and trusting in God. It was encouraging to know that I was not alone and being a part of a group where women could feel understood, comforted, and lifted up spiritually. .................Tracy M.

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