By Stacey Pinz
I remember when I was younger, I couldn’t wait for certain special occasions: Christmas, my birthday, the weekend (sometimes, I'm still excited about the weekend as an adult), and summer vacation to name a few. I still feel that I-can’t-wait excitement even as an adult, but now it looks different, and it’s not always about dates like it tended to be when I was younger.
Now, when I am waiting, the waiting is often about something bigger: an answer about a significant decision, a prayer for a family member or a friend or a direction when faced with a crossroad.
Right now, I am in a waiting period. I know, without a doubt, that the Lord wanted me to move forward and to start the Vine and Branches Stories ministry; therefore, I did. I researched, learned, studied, called, texted, emailed, and posted on social media (and much of this was way outside of my comfort zone). God was there the entire time emboldening, empowering, and energizing me to push forward.
Now that the Vine and Branches Stories app is developed, I have been blessed and have been inspired by the people who have boldly shared goodness-of-God stories: Stacy F. who made the decision to stop negotiating with God, and to obey Him; Milissa K. who while battling breast cancer placed her trust in God and was able to find joy and gratitude during her battle; Stephanie and Ford B. who walked through a marriage hardship, and with God, came out of it stronger together; Pastor Laurie H. who chose a life of love and obedience after a near-death experience; Joey F. who experienced a deep valley in his life, but as he reflected, saw God’s hand in all of the lessons he learned as well as the people who lifted him up through this storm; Cori M. who saw God’s hand of protection on a road trip that could have been tragic turn out to be a small hiccup; Amy K. who watched as God calmed the heart of a small child with one of his beautiful creations; and Krystal E. who felt God’s guidance as she has pressed into her faith throughout her life in making decisions about where to attend church with her family.
All of these stories, and more that will be coming soon, have continued to show me that God is devoted to all of us and sees all of our needs and desires – it’s as if we are His only singular children in those moments and that all of His love, energy, and affection is focused on us. But then He surrounds us with brothers and sisters to lift us up and to encourage us, too. When I learn each story, the depth of His love is all just too much for my human mind to comprehend.
He has infinite time for us, and He wants what is best for us: but sometimes…. that means that we wait.
I am not sure what will be the next steps for Vine and Branches Stories. I am so proud of the people who have continued to show their willingness to share stories, so I do know we will continue to share stories for God’s glory.
But as I wait, I pray for God to provide answers to a few questions: what is the best way to continue to get the word out about the app so that more and more people can continue to be impacted by the stories? How do we continue to tell more and more stories (which is the ultimate goal) with excellence and in the most impactful way? Lord, please continue to provide the resources. How do we compensate people for their time and energy?
Lord, please provide the means. Lord, help us to see the big picture that You see, and please help this ministry continue to grow to demonstrate that You have written all of our stories and are writing more of our stories: that they are worthy of being shared.
We are living out our God-given stories each day, and we must choose to see His goodness all around us: even when we are in a season of waiting.
Lord, please quiet the voices that tell me that because Vine and Branches Stories is not “exploding” or “taking off” – that it is not successful; quiet the voices that say that this is just another social media platform; quiet the voices that tell me that everyone is just too busy to care about sharing their stories or acknowledging that Vine and Branches Stories even exists, and quiet the voices that say that this was all just a dumb idea.
I know Vine and Branches Stories is from You and for You, and You are infinitely wise and loving, and You will continue to make a way for Vine and Branches Stories.
I still get that childhood I-can’t-wait-to-see-what-happens-next feeling when I think about the future of Vine and Branches Stories, but while I wait patiently (or try to wait patiently anyway), I will continue to press into what God is teaching me through His Word, through prayer, through those who continue to share stories, through those who continue to lift this ministry up in their prayers, and through those who continue to give obediently.
I am trusting that it will all be worth the wait.
