Chapter Two: A Coward for God 

“Are you willing to be open to God’s will for your life?”[1]

That’s the question that Richard Stearns wrestled with in Chapter Two of The Hole in our Gospel.

If you’re like me, you’re probably realizing in your reading that Mr. Stearns is manipulating us with his story.

He’s telling us his story so you and I will wrestle with ours.

He’s sharing about his list of “buts” (all of the reasons why he wasn’t able to respond to God’s calling on his life) so that we will reconsider ours. This book isn’t just a story about whether or not Richard Stearns would be open to God’s will for his life, but whether or not you and I will be.

Have you settled that issue yet? Have you truly and deeply committed to the Lord that He can use you where you’re needed most? Those are the kinds of commitments that get new churches planted, or reach new demographics of people, or inject our current routines with a fresh fragrance and perspective of heaven.

Let’s settle the matter. Let’s give the Lord categorical permission to station us where He needs us most, and as we do so, let me give you a spoiler alert: Richard Stearns has no regrets. It would be a short book indeed if he ultimately said “no” to World Vision’s offer and continued on with his life as a Fine China CEO. He responded to the call and in doing so he discovered that there is no place more exhilarating, rewarding, or life-giving than the center of God’s will.