Discipleship Conversations: Vulnerability and Humility

[00:00:02] Speaker A: Welcome to the YA Podcast. [00:00:05] Speaker B: Lean in as we dive into the. [00:00:06] Speaker A: Practicals of life with Jesus as spirit filled young adults. [00:00:27] Speaker B: Welcome back to another episode of the YA podcast. We're so happy to have you here. This season we are talking about discipleship. My name is Alicia. I'm part of the young adults team here. And today I have a very special guest with me, we have Shanice, who's a very valued member of our church and our ministry. Welcome. Hi. We so have you here. [00:00:53] Speaker A: Oh, it's an honor. This is wild. [00:00:57] Speaker B: It's been a journey for you and I've been able to see a little bit about like a little bit of what God's been doing in your life. But would you mind introducing yourself and sharing with with everyone who you are, what you do and how you came to numa? [00:01:14] Speaker A: Yeah, of course. Hi, everyone, my name is Shanice. I have been at NUMA for a little over two and a half years now. [00:01:23] Speaker B: Wow. [00:01:24] Speaker A: I honestly found church through a Bible devotional plan. Actually, Pastor Leila, if you know Pastor Leila Nahavandi, I hope I said that right. [00:01:35] Speaker B: Yeah, sounds good. [00:01:37] Speaker A: I started her Bible reading plan, followed her on Instagram, and she happened to be preaching at NUMA at a 4pm service. And I found my way here and I'm so, so glad that, that I found myself in this church. And yeah, it's been two and a half years, a little over that, but I love this place. I love the community. I love how I've seen Jesus through my friends and now that people that I can call my family. But yeah, it has been a wild, wild journey in the best way. I think feel really honored that I get to be on this podcast and talk about discipleship because while I've been at church, I have been discipled by so many people and I'm still being discipled. And the word discipleship, I didn't fully understand what that was, but I'm glad I get to talk about it now because I'm very passionate about it and I think it is such a big part of our journeys with God, Jesus here on Earth and. [00:02:46] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. [00:02:49] Speaker A: But yeah, I think that's it. A little bit about me. [00:02:54] Speaker B: That's wonderful. Well, why don't we just jump straight into it? Because you kind of touch base on why discipleship. Well, you're clearly clearly really passionate about discipleship. So how has it transformed your life? [00:03:09] Speaker A: Okay, so a little bit about my story is I grew up in church as a kid and then I pretty much didn't go to church for almost 8 to 8ish years. Yeah. [00:03:23] Speaker B: And when, when was that? Was that like late teens, early 20s or. Yeah, sort of just mainly in your 20s. [00:03:29] Speaker A: So it was pretty much my 20s. So from 20, I think I was like 19 till about 27 is when I came back, walked it back into church. So. Hadn't been in church, didn't really have a desire for it until of course, as we all know, God chases his kids down. Yes, he does. And he reached me through that Bible devotional. Yeah. So I found myself back at church and I think for me, I saw how this Christian way of life, how people were living a godly life through the people around me. And I think that is the essence of discipleship, where you're sort of doing life with other people and learning from them and just being exposed to the way God has moved in their lives and you're encouraged. And the whole, that whole verse about iron sharpening iron and what's the other one? Two. Two is better than one. So I just saw the beauty of how Covenant family kind of. I don't know what I'm trying to say, but I think what. [00:04:42] Speaker B: I'm transformed people's lives. [00:04:44] Speaker A: Yes. [00:04:44] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:04:45] Speaker A: So when you're like doing life with other people in this, like family, like godly family, which is like friends, brothers, sisters, spiritual mothers, fathers, how people grow and how people. Yeah. Just like grow in God and just. Yeah, it. It's just like a different. It was like super different for me and I was just like, what is going on here? Like, do people really do this? And then, yeah, I saw, saw it in my friends. It started off with just like friends that I made at church and they would love on me and really invest in my life. [00:05:21] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:05:21] Speaker A: Which I didn't experience well, I would say it was just a special kind of way that they invested in my life. And now I'm able to put words to that and say that they were discipling me. [00:05:33] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:05:34] Speaker A: So one example was when I, I think two weeks into coming to church, I was having dinner with a couple of the girls who'd invited me out. And then as I was walking back to my car, one of. One of the girls basically said you. You need people to do this life, to walk the straight and narrow path. And I was just thinking, what does she mean? But it stuck with me. And that, like, it just kept playing in my head over and over and over the next couple of weeks. I was like, okay, let me start to slowly open myself up to these new friends. And I think when I Started coming to church. I was like, 27. So I. I'd already had a lot of friendships, good friendships, but it's kind of hard to make more intentional friends. [00:06:25] Speaker B: Sometimes when you're older. [00:06:26] Speaker A: When you're a bit older. And it was kind of a little bit daunting for me, but I kept thinking, hang on. I need to be surrounded by these people. There's something here. And, yeah, I got to, like, have conversations about what was going on in my life, the questions I had. And I would have different people speak into my life, and also just honestly, without judgment, relate to me. And, yeah, it. That's kind of how it's gone. [00:06:55] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:06:55] Speaker A: On for the last couple of years. And now since I have been walking with God for a little while, I've been intentionally seeking out discipleship. [00:07:07] Speaker B: Okay. [00:07:07] Speaker A: By having conversations. So I'd love to talk about that as well. [00:07:10] Speaker B: Yeah, we can. [00:07:12] Speaker A: And I feel like it's just changed my life. [00:07:15] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:07:15] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:07:16] Speaker B: No, I love that. I think God really does bring the right people for the right season, and sometimes those people for just a short period of time, and sometimes those people are for life. But I think when we are willing to submit ourselves to the Lord, he will bring the right people along our path to make sure we get to where he wants us to get to. But I think our heart has to be open to receive, which is what I think show. You know, through your story, you started to open up your heart to the idea of discipleship. Obviously, back then, you weren't able to articulate what it was, but as you became more aware of what it. It looked like and why people were doing what they were doing and the importance of it, about being intentional in their relationship with you, in building connection with you, and developing a level of trust. Then you. You were open to. To discipleship. And now I look at you and I'm like, wow, this is not the same girl I met two and a half years ago. [00:08:21] Speaker A: Yeah, it's. I truly feel like I am a walking testimony. [00:08:27] Speaker B: Yeah, we all are. [00:08:28] Speaker A: Yeah, I. I so see that. And it's just so wild to me to see the way I'm living life now and look back and be like, I don't even recognize that person. And it's like the transforming work of God that only God could do. But I have needed to have key people in my life throughout this journey, and I will always need people to do this life with, to keep going forward. And I love that in this house, particularly at NUMA for this season. You know, God has given Me such incredible friends who I can call, like, sisters and brothers and honestly, like spiritual mothers and fathers and. [00:09:16] Speaker B: Very important. [00:09:17] Speaker A: Yes. Yeah. Actually, funny story about spiritual mothers and fathers. I was at a young adults retreat a couple years ago and they were talking about spiritual mothers and fathers. And I was like, interesting. And basically the pastor was saying, you need to have these people in your life. And I was thinking in my own internal dialogue, I was like, God, how do I just find a spiritual mother and father? Like, how do I just, like, go up to someone or what do I do? And I was like, God, I just. I don't know about that. And I just started praying into it. I was like, lord, if this is something that is needed for me for this journey, can you just bring someone along? [00:10:03] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:10:03] Speaker A: And it was just honestly, having that conversation with God and he really brought not just one set of parents. [00:10:12] Speaker B: Yes. [00:10:12] Speaker A: I have multiple. [00:10:14] Speaker B: Wow. [00:10:15] Speaker A: And God really hears your prayers. He does. And he is very intentional with bringing the right people around you. And I think, yeah, don't underestimate how God is such a personal God and he knows what you need in every season. And like, something that you just mentioned is, like, in different parts of your journey with God, like, you'll have different people. And that's exactly what happened to me. But yeah, God literally brought a spiritual mother to me and she just started to love on me. And yeah, I think that's one of the reasons why I'm so passionate about the term discipleship. It looks like a really big word, but Jesus did it in the Bible. Right. Like, he had disciples and he would teach them and he walked with people and then they would go out and they would teach people and walk with people, and it was just this beautiful new way of life. [00:11:19] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:11:19] Speaker A: And people growing in the faith and being saved. And I'm just glad I get to be part of it. [00:11:24] Speaker B: Really. Yeah. [00:11:27] Speaker A: But, yeah, what would you. How would you describe discipleship for you? [00:11:33] Speaker B: That's a great question. I don't know. There's just so much that you can sort of unpack with that. But I think walking away knowing that someone's got your back is a great form or an indicator of a disciple maker. But I think through my experience being discipled through various seasons of my life, I was actually similar to you. So I had just moved to my previous church at the end of year 12 or towards end of year 11, start of year 12. And you know, in year 12, you're very focused on your studies. So by the time you finished, I my prayer to The Lord was God. Would you bring people into my life that I can do life with? Because I knew that my relationships with my peers in school weren't, weren't kingdom focused. And so God did, He brought a community around me. That discipleship discipled me and really called out the God given gifts in my life. And it was all through relationship. Yeah, I think discipleship and relationship should go hand in hand in hand. It was intentional. Like the girls got around me, they took me out for coffee, they, they made themselves available to, you know, drive me into this, the city service on the Sunday afternoon. Spent time with you, spend time with me. And now our relationship has changed. Like some of them have gotten married, our mom, some of them, we, you know, some of us are still not married. And so our relationships look different and they're not as our interactions are not as frequent, but they're quality people, you know, so absence doesn't dictate our friendship and our level of friendship. It's the quality people that make up. Yeah. You know, that contribute to our lives. [00:13:29] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:13:29] Speaker B: Someone who, yeah, someone who's discipled me would be someone who, yeah, like I say, is intentional but is not afraid to call you out when you're wrong. I think that's very important. If you're going to disciple someone, you have to be okay telling that individual that what they may be thinking or what they may be doing is not in alignment with God's Word. Um, another thing you need to know, if you're, you are discipling people, you need to be intentional with your time with the Lord. You need to be intentional with reading his word. Because if you do not know how to reflect Jesus yourself, you're just going to make a disciple of yourself. And that's not what we're called to do. We're called to make disciples of, for Jesus, of Jesus. So our life itself needs to reflect him. Yeah. [00:14:17] Speaker A: Yeah, I feel like that's such a good point. And actually like, I think my perspective of someone being discipled, when I look for people who will disciple me, some of the markers for me has been what is on that person's life. Like, yes, there's something that's highlighted, like, highlighted to me. So the people currently in my inner circle who I trust and value, I've admired them from afar. [00:14:47] Speaker B: Yes. [00:14:48] Speaker A: Or when I'm having a conversation with someone, I'm like, wow, you reflect Jesus. I can see Jesus in you and I want to be closer to you because I want to be closer to Jesus. Yeah. And there's something on your life that I feel like I can learn from. So that's like, an important thing because I do think we want to go to the right people, and only the Holy Spirit can kind of lead us and guide us. And number one, it will start with honest prayer with God. God, who are the people that I need to have in my life right now? [00:15:20] Speaker B: Yes. [00:15:21] Speaker A: Not just like the people I'm comfortable with, but who are the people that I need? And then it's also just like being open to sometimes actually having a conversation with these people and saying, hey, if you're comfortable, can I actually ask. Can I give you permission to speak into my life? [00:15:42] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:15:44] Speaker A: So I've had to have that conversation with a few people who, again, trust. And I feel like I see Jesus in them. So I feel like, okay, I'm gonna allow you to call out some stuff in me as we get to know each other on a more deeper level. I think that's like, an important thing where, like you said, a marker of discipleship is accountability and someone speaking into your life, shining light on things that you may not know or see in your own self. And that's where you kind of want someone who's, like, a few steps ahead of you, a bit more mature. [00:16:23] Speaker B: You do need someone who's a full. Sorry. A few steps ahead of you. They may be younger sometimes, and that's okay, because age doesn't. [00:16:31] Speaker A: Yes. [00:16:32] Speaker B: Guarantee wisdom. Yeah. So we need to make sure that we're open to where God's leading us. Because there's people in my life that are younger than me, that are discipling me, and I've had to learn to submit to that because. And I spoke about it in a previous episode that I really struggled in the past to submit to leadership. Younger than me, because I defined their capabilities and their ability to speak into my life based on their age. Because I was like, you have not had as much life experience as me, so therefore, you have no right to speak into my life. Which is wrong. That's absolutely wrong. We need to be so open to who God is highlighting to us, because there's a particular reason we don't know their full story at the time of making that. Having that first encounter with that person. It's through time, intentional time with that individual that you start to learn more about them, and they start to learn more about you. And. And if you trust the Lord and where he's leading you, then you'll be in a safe space being discipled by that person. Because being in discipleship requires Vulnerability. [00:17:39] Speaker A: Y. Yeah. I would say that you'd have to be. You have to be humble to really be discipled, and you have to be teachable. [00:17:48] Speaker B: Yes. That's a good one. [00:17:49] Speaker A: And being open and all the things that are not always very easy to do. [00:17:55] Speaker B: Yes. [00:17:57] Speaker A: Which means like having hard conversations or talking about things that you struggle with. I know, for me, I like to sometimes not talk about the things that are hard for me. Even now I know the benefit of it, and I know that I have trusted people in my life, but it can be so hard to even put into words and express myself because of, you know, not wanting to seem a certain way. [00:18:25] Speaker B: Yes. [00:18:25] Speaker A: But I've found that the right people will still love you. Like, they will. [00:18:33] Speaker B: They will. [00:18:34] Speaker A: They will love you. Yeah. And. And there's just so much benefit to bringing things to the light. So I think discipleship for me is just bringing things to the light with trusted people. So I'm not just internally dealing with these things. I don't want to deal with things, struggle on my own, me and God. But I also want to invite people into my life to kind of talk about these things, process certain things. And I'm not saying don't process things with God. I'm saying, first and foremost, go to God. [00:19:08] Speaker B: Yes. [00:19:08] Speaker A: Process. [00:19:09] Speaker B: That's right. [00:19:10] Speaker A: Journals, secret place. Very, very key. But it should also go hand in hand with talking to certain people about things and allowing them to, you know, pray and just. [00:19:24] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. [00:19:24] Speaker A: Guide you through it. [00:19:25] Speaker B: Yeah. I think another marker of discipleship is patience. If I reflect on my discipleship journey, especially in the last 12 to 18 months, I've had people in my life who were very patient with me. Yeah. Because I sort of, like, stepped out and then withdrew because of fear and different insecurities that were holding me back. But it was through patient discipleship. And actually it took a moment for that person just to sort of take a step back and allow me to go on my journey and really seek the Lord and get him to sort of weed the things that were not of him out of my life. [00:20:05] Speaker A: That's so good. [00:20:06] Speaker B: When I did come back to that person, I was like, okay, I'm ready to step up. Like, I'm ready to step in. And I, you know, caught them up on what God was doing in my life and speaking to me, and all they did was look at me and go, yeah, well, I already knew that. But I had to wait for the Lord to reveal that to you. I couldn't take you there. So there's going to be Times that in our discipleship journey where the person discipling us may have to take a step back because we have put walls up. Yeah. You know, because of insecurities and fears and shame from our past that is holding us back. So we got to be make, we got to make sure if we are being discipled, we are okay with being pruned. [00:20:49] Speaker A: Yeah, no, that's a really, really good, good way of putting it because you said patience. Right. And we know that one of the fruits of the spirit is patience. So the person that is discipling you, you want to see the fruit in their life, the fruits of the spirit, like patience, joy, kindness, all of those things. And the fact that someone was patient with you. [00:21:12] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:21:13] Speaker A: And still journeyed with you, didn't just like say, hey, that's wrong. [00:21:17] Speaker B: No, they didn't cut me off. [00:21:18] Speaker A: They didn't cut you off. Yeah, very funny story. Well, cool story. I obviously have some great friends from church and honestly I call them my family. They're like very close to me now and I love them. And I, I remember, you know, as family, like they kind of know what's going on in your life. So I had been going to yoga classes and I, I loved it. I love my self care. If you know me, you know, I love my self care. You know, I love to be active. I love to try new things. And I was going to this hot yoga class and someone very close to me called me out on it. [00:22:00] Speaker B: Okay. [00:22:02] Speaker A: Again, I just want to say like everyone's journey with the Lord is different. He convicts in different ways. And you really have to go to God and you know, you know, journey with him about what you, what you're doing. But this person called me out about it and he's. And he was just like, why, why do you do this? And I was. And I sort of like had my own answers and I thought it was like for me, I was like, this is, I feel fine doing it. [00:22:29] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:22:30] Speaker A: But they were very loving in what they said. But they did call out something and they were just like made me think of it from a different perspective. Which at the time I will admit I didn't fully agree with. But I took what that person said and I went to my life group, so went to my life group leaders and we talked about it in life group. Still wasn't too sure. And it was a couple months. I was sent some resources and I sort of was very intentional with God to read through those resources and ask God, is this some place that I should. Is this something that I should be doing or not. And then God worked on my heart. So you know, I think that's like a very important part of, you know, when someone is discipling you or having those life group leaders in your life. [00:23:20] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:23:21] Speaker A: Take things to them, talk to them and then go and journey with God. And you know, it can be a back and forth thing, it can take a bit of time. But that's like the best part about it is like people highlighting different things. [00:23:36] Speaker B: But I think the reason you were able, so that person was able to speak into your life is because you had a teachable heart or you have a teachable heart. So even though you may not have agreed with it in the first place and, but it clearly challenged you because you didn't just leave it there, you, you wrestled with it, you, you submitted it under your leadership at the time. And through that God was able to transform your thinking and explain. [00:24:04] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. [00:24:05] Speaker B: Why you didn't just take that person's word as at face value. You actually went on a journey on your by yourself to discover the reason why. [00:24:15] Speaker A: Yeah, no, yeah, that's. Yeah, 100%. And I mean if anyone wants to privately talk to me about why I chose not to continue going to yoga, I'm available. [00:24:26] Speaker B: Yes. [00:24:27] Speaker A: But yeah, I think it's just like we. Iron sharpens iron. Right. [00:24:32] Speaker B: So yeah, you're right. [00:24:34] Speaker A: We want to kind of be in these positions where it's not always comfortable. I wouldn't say discipleship isn't, isn't always comfortable. [00:24:41] Speaker B: It can, I don't think discipleship is ever comfortable. It was never designed to be comfortable. [00:24:46] Speaker A: Yeah, great. I can see a lot of joy in it though. Like there's been a lot of instances where I think as I've grown in God I have found making intentional time to be discipled hasn't always been easy. It's sometimes meant to canceling plans, certain things that I was doing, making time on a particular afternoon to catch up with a person or you know, now like I said, I'm doing things in a different way where I want to make time weekly almost to be discipled and these catch ups. And that means I don't always get to do some other things. Yeah. But I am always reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 where God says, for I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you your hope and a future. So whenever things are a bit challenging. And I mean this doesn't just apply to discipleship, but I like to think of it. When I have to give up something that I like, I remember that if God has put this on my heart or there's something that I need, that's on this person that I need to be, you know, make time for that. God will. There'll be good things that's going to come out of it. [00:26:06] Speaker B: So I promise. [00:26:07] Speaker A: Yeah, it makes it easier almost to kind of be in those uncomfortable, challenging, vulnerable spaces. So. [00:26:16] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, no, that's, that's a great point to make. It's because the Lord knows, and if we rest in that, that it's he, him that knows, that he's the one that's ordered our steps. He's the one that's got great plans for our lives. And he says to prosper you and not to harm you. There's safety in that and safety in just resting in him and waiting on him. And yes, discipleship is, is costly. Discipleship can be painful, but there's safety and peace in it as well. Yeah. [00:26:52] Speaker A: And you will thrive when you have the right community around you. [00:26:56] Speaker B: 100. [00:26:57] Speaker A: So trust that these are going to be the people that, like I said, it can change over time, but these are the people who are going to build you up, encourage you, edify you. [00:27:09] Speaker B: Yes. [00:27:09] Speaker A: And that's why you need them to do life, to walk this narrow path, to do, to just, you know, reflect Jesus in your life so. [00:27:20] Speaker B: Well, we were never designed to be alone. Like from the very beginning, God created Eve as a helper for Adam because he said it's not good for man to be alone. We can look at that from outside from just a marriage perspective is the fact that God does not want us to be alone. So we need to do life together. [00:27:39] Speaker A: Yeah, 100%. [00:27:41] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:27:41] Speaker A: Okay, so question. Okay, let's just say you come into church, you have no friends and you're you. You hear the word disciple? Discipleship. Sorry, you hear the word discipleship. And what would you do? What would be like the first thing you would do? [00:27:59] Speaker B: Well, I would ask what it is. Yeah, yeah. What is this thing called discipleship? What is it? Why is it important? What's the purpose of it? Yeah, yeah, I think that would be my. I would just have follow up questions. Yeah, yeah, yeah. [00:28:15] Speaker A: I think what I'm asking is, let's say you want to be discipleship. What are the tools in ways that you can be discipled at church? [00:28:24] Speaker B: Okay, great question. Well, life group is a great start because it's church made small. It's an intimate setting of what the larger body of Christ Looks like. [00:28:34] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:28:35] Speaker B: So finding a group that you really can feel connected with because there's going to be a level of vulnerability that required of you to be fully connected to a group. You can't just attend and tick a box. You need to actually show up and reveal parts of yourself, reveal parts of your journey so that you can encourage one another and grow together. That would be a great starting point. And then I think I 100% agree with you. Spiritual mothers and fathers are so important in our lives and we need to be intentional. We can't just expect people to come and disciple us. [00:29:11] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:29:11] Speaker B: Because people have lives, they've got things to do, they've got jobs, they've got their own journey that they're on. But if we are hungry and we are willing to be transformed from the inside out, then like you said, go to God and pray and ask him. Okay. Lord, would you bring the right people into my life because this is the desire of my heart. Would it reflect your desire for my life? And would you bring the right people who may have already gone through that? [00:29:39] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:29:39] Speaker B: Or is. Is where they are currently at, where I want to be. So would you bring them into my life and reveal them to me and show me why, show me the fruit of their life so then I can feel comfortable approaching them to disciple me. [00:29:56] Speaker A: Yeah. I actually want to add on to that is, you know, when God highlights someone or you see the beautiful fruit of Jesus in someone's life, don't be afraid to ask, but also don't be afraid of rejection. [00:30:08] Speaker B: Yes. I think there's. [00:30:12] Speaker A: There's a part where we play where we do have to step out in faith and ask the questions sometimes. [00:30:17] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:30:18] Speaker A: Again, it all starts from relationship. So, you know, talking to that person, if you ask and you know, they say no or it's not a great time for them, that's okay. Because I firmly believe that God has a right people for each person. We're not meant to do this life alone. So if someone does say no, don't be discouraged, but just know that you were being obedient and you know, God will bring the right people. But you do have to. Also there's a part where you step out in faith and, you know, kind of actively pursue this. [00:30:57] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:30:59] Speaker A: And I think, yeah, life group has been such a transform, trans. Transforming space for me. [00:31:06] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:31:06] Speaker A: Because you really do get to know these like 5 to 10, 5 to 15 people, you know, depending on how big the life group is in a more intimate way. You're seeing them every couple of Weeks, you get to know what's going on in their life. So that's a great way to meet people and make new friends and just kind of go a bit deeper. And it's a very confidential space, I would say. And that's been really great for me to kind of slowly step out and just, you know, dip my toes in almost. But I do want to say serving at church. [00:31:42] Speaker B: Yes. That's another great one. [00:31:44] Speaker A: I like when I started to come on team and serve in, like, the Connection team. [00:31:51] Speaker B: Yes. [00:31:52] Speaker A: I had, like, stepped. I didn't even realize, but I stepped into this little family, and I not only made friends, I had aunties and uncles, spiritual. Spiritual mothers and fathers. Just people who, you know, you'd see every week or every fortnight who loved. Who love on you, pray for you, ask you, you know, how did you. [00:32:13] Speaker B: Go on that exam, serving on a Sunday? [00:32:15] Speaker A: It's more. [00:32:16] Speaker B: You're doing life together to a certain extent. [00:32:18] Speaker A: Yeah. Um, and I think that's a great way to kind of expose yourself to that. If you're hearing this and you're just like, where do I start? Where do I start? Yeah. So highly recommend that I agree with you. [00:32:33] Speaker B: I. I think if I reflect on just my journey. Coming to numa, when I wasn't serving, I felt really isolated because you would just come to church and everyone you knew was serving and they were involved in that, and you would just rock up, or I would rock up to church and I'll be like, hi. Hello. But then I don't have. I just walk into the service and really don't have anyone to sit with, or. That sounds really sad. But. But because they were all, you know, serving the house of God, and I'm like, what am I doing? Yeah. Like you. I started in the connections team, too. [00:33:13] Speaker A: Oh, did you? I didn't know that. [00:33:15] Speaker B: I think we just missed each other. [00:33:16] Speaker A: Oh, my goodness. Okay. I feel like almost everyone, I think. [00:33:20] Speaker B: Yeah. It's a great place to start, by the way, because there's. The expectation of you serving in that team is very different to what you would expect. But all you have to do is just be yourself and literally greet people as they walk in the door. [00:33:36] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:33:36] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:33:37] Speaker A: And honestly, one key moment where I was discipled that I still remember is literally in the corridor of, like, church, where one of the leaders in the Connection team, he came up to me and just encouraged me. He saw something on my life. He's like, honestly, like a father figure and literally prayed for me then and there. And I remember walking away from that being like, whoa, I feel so seen, I feel so loved. I feel so empowered to keep doing this. And discipleship can honestly happen over corridor conversations. You know, I think a big thing is like definitely having sit down meals and intentionally meeting. But sometimes it's just like in passing, in passing or phone calls, phone calls. [00:34:31] Speaker B: Going, I'm praying for you, I'm thinking of you. How can I, you know, how can I pray for you as well? I find that just shows that you're not just saying, hi, how are you? It's like, actually I'm, I'm con. I'm invested in your well being. Yeah. [00:34:44] Speaker A: So it doesn't have to look like a set thing. There's no, there's no rule book. [00:34:49] Speaker B: There's no template that you have to follow. It's. However God leads you to disciple people, that's. You just have to be intentional and obedient. [00:34:58] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:34:58] Speaker B: About it. [00:34:59] Speaker A: And again, just making sure you're looking out for those markers. Where are they keeping you accountable? Do they have permission to speak into your life? Are you being convicted? Are you being loved? Do you see the fruits of the spirit in their life? Are you growing? [00:35:19] Speaker B: Yeah, that's a great one. [00:35:20] Speaker A: You know, like Cynthia, when the beast. [00:35:23] Speaker B: Comes stagnant, you want to be continuously growing. [00:35:27] Speaker A: Yeah. And it's honestly just relationship communication, but with a bit more spice. In a good way. [00:35:38] Speaker B: So good. [00:35:39] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:35:39] Speaker B: Yeah. I think another thing that I wanted to touch on was the cost of discipleship and how that links with obedience. Okay. Yeah, yeah. Because you mentioned that you've had to let go of a few things this year, particularly to prioritize the things that God has called you to and that he's in, in your life. Would you able to be able to shed some light on that? [00:36:05] Speaker A: Yeah, of course. I think when I think about cost, I'd probably say now that I understand what discipleship is a little bit more, I've realized that I need to be more open to it. And I don't know if you'd call this a cost, but being vulnerable is like a cost. [00:36:30] Speaker B: I would say it's a cost. [00:36:31] Speaker A: Okay. Yeah. Okay. That's great. Because I find that because you have to open up, you have to open up. You have to really be raw, you have to be honest. And again, with the right people. [00:36:43] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:36:43] Speaker A: But for me, being vulnerable has been something that I've had to kind of take to God and be like, God, help me even share this with this person and not be afraid to share this. And so that, that definitely is Something that I'm still working on with God. And I have found that I have been able to share and still still be loved and not judged, but actually called higher, which has been just so nice. And another thing that I would probably say is again, not being passive. So for me, what that has looked like is really making time and space to being discipled, which. Yeah, I've literally had to say no to certain things, things that I love, things that are good just to, to make sure that I have the time and space to have these conversations to, you know, sit and meet with people outside of my inner circle sometimes, you know, so that's been a little bit hard because I feel like I have my routines and. [00:37:55] Speaker B: Yes. [00:37:55] Speaker A: You know, I mean, this is something so silly, but I have like gym classes that I love to go to. [00:38:03] Speaker B: Yep. And self care. Right. [00:38:05] Speaker A: Self care and just, you know, it's a good routine. It's not a bad thing. It's a great thing. But I felt like the Lord was like, don't go to this class so that you can make time for this. And when. [00:38:21] Speaker B: How did that make you feel? Because I know how much, how much you value your health and well being. Yeah. [00:38:29] Speaker A: I think it was just when I sort of, kind of felt it from God again. I had to sort of remember, hang on. God's plans and purposes for my life is all good things. His plans to prosper me, not to harm me. So even though I'm gonna miss out on this particular thing, there's something better. So it kind of eased the. Is it almost for me. [00:38:58] Speaker B: So I didn't feel it easier. [00:38:59] Speaker A: It was easier. Yeah, it was easier to let go. And yeah, like, that's kind of how I've had to go about it. And it hasn't always just been like, sometimes it's like saying no to friends or like hanging out with my girls who I absolutely love, like, you know, who you are. But I have had to make time for other things that are of God. Yeah, but, but what I can say with certainty is like God's children don't lack a thing when they are obedient and follow Him. It doesn't mean that it's always going to be easy to kind of, you know, make time and change your schedule around. But when you are trusting God and following him, I mean, we've all. We all know about the Spirit and we all know about the Word of God. So discipleship is in the Bible. You know, Jesus did it. So definitely you want your life to reflect that. And then Holy Spirit Will tell you who you need to hang out with and do things. And for that, you are going to have to do some practical things to make time and space mentally and literally, just like, in terms of your time. So as you do that, just trust that it'll be good. And I think some. Some of the people that God is going to highlight to you isn't going to be the people that you saw or expected to speak into your life. [00:40:24] Speaker B: That's true. [00:40:26] Speaker A: And that's okay. Look for those markers. And if you see that, just trust the journey. Trust God is on it and there's something that you can get out of it. So, you know, we don't always see the full picture. [00:40:38] Speaker B: No, we never see the full picture. Yeah. [00:40:41] Speaker A: If God is asking you to give up something to make time for something, just trust him. [00:40:47] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:40:47] Speaker A: And like, when I look back, I see, oh, okay. That's why. [00:40:52] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:40:54] Speaker A: So, yeah, I would probably say time. Making time and being vulnerable is probably the most costly things for me. [00:41:05] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:41:06] Speaker A: What about for yourself? [00:41:09] Speaker B: I would definitely say time. I think for me, I have. And the Lord is definitely working in me at the moment because I've noticed that this is a pattern and a pattern that I do not want to continue. But I think for me, after a work week, the first thing I want to do is just put my pajamas on and sit in front of the TV and relax, like, clear my mind. [00:41:34] Speaker A: Same. [00:41:36] Speaker B: But I think what God's really been doing in my life is making me more aware of him and His Word and the desire for him and His Word has just is continuing to grow and deepen that. I'm not satisfied unless I'm in His Word. [00:41:55] Speaker A: That's so beautiful. [00:41:57] Speaker B: There's just such a hunger there. And I've just finished the book of Leviticus and oh, my gosh, that was so hard to get through. But I can start to see why God's put things in place in that particular book is recorded for his people. Because I've taken the time to spend reading His Word and. [00:42:18] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:42:18] Speaker B: You know, studying it. And I'm starting to see the fruit of it in just a short space of time. I'm like, I can't wait to keep going. So I think letting go of what's comfortable. Yeah, it can. It can be costly as well. And the greater you find comfort in it, the more costly it's going to be. So. Yeah. And another thing is letting go of certain friends. [00:42:47] Speaker A: Oh, okay. [00:42:49] Speaker B: Yeah, we're going there because, yeah, just like God, I don't want to journey Life being held back because I'm more caught up with losing people in my life that are actually not contributing to my life in a positive way. There are going to be people in your life where, yes, you know, you are friends with them and that's okay. They. They may not even be Christians, and that's okay. But there's going to be a time where. Where God is taking you and where he's calling you does require you to cut off certain people in your life because if they were to stay with you, they would hold you back. [00:43:35] Speaker A: Oh, yeah. This is. [00:43:36] Speaker B: That. This is painful. That is so painful because you've invested in these people, you've done life with these people and like, you love these people. [00:43:47] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:43:47] Speaker B: But they're just. They're just not for where God's taking you, and you have to be okay with that. [00:43:54] Speaker A: Yeah, no, I can definitely attest to this. I don't like to think about it too much, actually, sometimes. But I definitely feel that over time there have been different people that I haven't been able to be as close to because, like you said, they weren't actually the right people for me to be in such close proximity. Yeah. For that particular time. And this has been a big grieving point for me. So that's why I don't like to always think about it too much. But I will say that there was a particular instance where I couldn't make it to certain occasions, like events, birthdays, with some really close friends. And again, these are people you love. Right. So it hurts. I. I think I was more upset about it maybe than that person. But I did ask God, like, God, can you give me the right words to communicate this? [00:45:00] Speaker B: Well, yeah. [00:45:00] Speaker A: You can't say to a person, you're not benefiting me, so I'm not gonna hang out with you anymore. But I think God will give you the right words and he will help you, you know, if that person shouldn't be in your life. But it's about being open and trusting that the Lord knows who you need in your life for this particular season. And sometimes that will be three close friends. Five close friends. Yeah, I think we all have like a go to people, right? Yeah, we do our close 3, 5, 10, whatever. So just like actually just checking in with God, who do I need to go to? Who do. Who can I like, you know, be super close to at this point and being okay with that, I will say again, the Lord has been so kind to bring the right people into my life and exceeded all my expectations. Like, I'VE made such great, great friends. And a lot of my friends over the years, like, the closeness that we've been has shifted, but we've still remained friends. Yeah. And it hasn't always, like, been super pretty and it sometimes includes a bit of conversation. But your good friends will still stick around. But they would be understanding that you're kind of going through different phase in your life. [00:46:29] Speaker B: Yes. [00:46:31] Speaker A: Different priorities and. Yeah. But I still get where you're coming from. [00:46:36] Speaker B: Yep. Yeah. Well, it's been wonderful having you on today's episode. Shan, thank you so much for having me. Your journey and everything God's been doing in your life. I'm so honored to just have a seat and observe what God's been doing and will continue to do in your life. Thank you for being so open and vulnerable with us. We really appreciate it. Before we finish up, would you mind praying for our young adults? Of course. [00:47:08] Speaker A: Oh, thanks for having me. I definitely am a bit of a yapper, so hopefully some of this stuff made sense. But I would love to pray. Jesus, I just. I thank you, God, for the way that you model relationships. And I thank you, Jesus, for the way that you have provided tools for us to do this life. I thank you, God, that each and every person, it matters so much to you. Every single young adult. And I thank you, God, that you died on a cross for us, to save us, to give us hope. And I thank you, Jesus, that it is only your transforming power that can change us. And I thank you, Jesus, that we don't have to do this life alone. [00:47:56] Speaker B: Yes. [00:47:57] Speaker A: That we have you. And we have a covenant family ready, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandpa, grandpas to do this life with. So, God, I pray for every person listening in. I thank you, Jesus, that you know their desires. And I pray, God, that yout would put every single person in the right family and you'd would provide that mentors, spiritual mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters to do this life with. And I pray, God, that you would just increase everyone's knowledge around discipleship. And I pray, God, that you would make a way for discipleship to just become such a normal part of life the way that it has been for me. I thank you, God, for everyone who has sown into my life so generously without expecting anything in return. And I just. Thank you, God. Yeah, I just pray blessing over those people, you know who they are. And God, I just pray, God, that we would model discipleship. Well, that we would spread the love of Jesus to those in our. Our little worlds, our circles. And I pray, God, that, yeah, we would be such beautiful reflections of who you are, not only in the church, but also outside in our families and at workplaces. And yeah, I thank you, God, that discipleship isn't just in the church, but it's also in our workplaces and other places as well. And I pray, God, that you would highlight to us what this looks for each person individually and increase our wisdom and understanding around this. [00:49:48] Speaker B: Yes, Lord. [00:49:49] Speaker A: And I just thank you, God, for the young adult community. Thank you, Jesus, for our leaders. Thank you, God, for Alicia and the beautiful friendships that I've found here at numa. And I pray, God, for anyone who's feeling alone right now. I pray, Jesus, that they would just feel an increase of your love right now, in this minute. And I thank you, God, that you would just start to bring people around them to encourage them, edify them to do life with. And I thank you, God, that you would just raise up brothers, fathers, sisters, mothers of the faith. [00:50:28] Speaker B: Yes, Jesus. [00:50:29] Speaker A: And I thank you, God, that we get to do life a different way. Just infuse us all with hope today. And I thank you, Jesus, for this time. In Jesus name I pray, pray. Amen. [00:50:40] Speaker B: Amen. Thank you so much, Shan. We have loved having you here. [00:50:45] Speaker A: Thanks. [00:50:46] Speaker B: Thanks everyone for listening. Have a great week and we'll see you next time. [00:50:52] Speaker A: Bye. [00:50:52] Speaker B: Bye.