“Hearts that grow in God, that reach for Him and receive His reaching back, become profoundly great. Unshakable, even.”- Sara Hagerty (emphasis author’s)
“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be your servant must be your slave.”- Matthew 20:26-27 (ESV)
In Chapter 4 (“Love Poured Out: Leaning into Our Call for Greatness”) of Unseen, Sara Hagerty notes every person has two stories. The visible story and the invisible story. And only one set of eyes – God’s – sees them both. Next, Sara describes the greatness for which God created us:
“God has created each of us for greatness. Not the greatness of a stage or a title or a degree, though He may use those things in our lives. He may even let the applause of others encourage us and help us grow. But the sweetest greatness starts with being rooted, being made and nurtured in secret, being seen by God alone.”
Thus, greatness as Jesus defined it occurs in dormant seasons. It also takes place in unsuccessful – as measured by human standards – seasons. Furthermore, Ms. Hagerty asserts, in Matthew 20:26-27, Jesus states” in no uncertain terms that the path to greatness lies in hiddenness.”
Consequently, Jesus explains greatness as a state of mind and a way of being, not a list of tasks to perform and then check off. Therefore, Sara notes, we find the sustaining face of God “when we genuinely, happily serve in unacknowledged ways and places.” Also, we grow best when “sidetracked” by a disheartening job or a leader who fails to acknowledge our gifting. As Sara concludes, that’s when God whispers, This is where you become great — on the inside.
Today’s question: How does the Holy Spirit make your heart unshakable? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Constantly reaching for the next big thing”
