Thinking Differently: What’s shut up in your bones?

When we have something burning in our heart, an idea, a prophetic imagination, a vision of what could be, we need to respond. Here are three ideas to get you started

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Ideas. New Ways. Futuristic Vision. Prophetic Imagination. 

“The temptation can be to stay firmly shut inside our comfortable box called “business as usual” and stay gazing outside its window into the colourful world of “what if’...’”

These terms can often define the zealous mindset of innovators, creators and entrepreneurs. Shifting and shaping ideas to see how we can bring the kingdom of God to our communities, whether online, in person or a mixture of both. 

The temptation can be to stay firmly shut inside our comfortable box called “business as usual” and stay gazing outside its window into the colourful world of “what if”, with countless possibilities. 

However, it is impossible to stay in the comfortless and cramped “business as usual” box. The desire to share, learn and develop the ideas God has given is “shut up” and needs to flow. Jeremiah knew this feeling well. 

Jeremiah 20:9 AMP - If I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak His name anymore,” Then my heart becomes a burning fire, Shut up in my bones. And I am weary of enduring and holding it in; I cannot endure it [nor contain it any longer]. 

This internal shift in our desires, prayers, thoughts and passions is God-given. Not selfish or deliberately rebellious against the culture, traditions or structures we are used to, but instead an internal futuristic imaginative awakening - bursting to be released. 

Jesus, whilst following and obeying His Father, had an unorthodox and countercultural approach to revealing the Kingdom of God. This went against the societal norms of that time. The woman caught in adultery was not stoned; children were permitted to be blessed by Jesus (despite the murmurings of the disciples), and restrictions on sabbath healings were broken. 

In Matthew, Jesus encourages us to pour new wine into new wineskins. 

Matthew 9:17 AMP - “...Nor is new wine put into old [b]wineskins [that have lost their elasticity]; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the [fermenting] wine spills and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, so both are preserved.” 

The new wine represents our ideas and innovations. The new wineskins represent the new mindset we need to be bold enough to develop our ideas. For me, this process began with an MA in Theology, Leadership, and Innovation.

“Take the time to start new creations and innovations with a renewed mind so you can remain open to guidance from the Holy Spirit”

I was initially scared to tell anyone I was attempting to do this, especially returning to higher education after 17 years. But once I started, I knew I was in the right place, and I am now in the process of developing youth-focused community projects. However, a university education is not a prerequisite for successful innovation. The Stronger Network has resources to get you started. 

Take the time to start new creations and innovations with a renewed mind so you can remain open to guidance from the Holy Spirit. Romans reminds us of this: 

Romans 12.2 AMP - “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [a]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”

So where do I start? 

1.Gather together your ideas. 
Yes, even the ones that seem random or far-fetched. Google Jamboard (or equivalent) or an audio app are great for collating ideas and thoughts quickly.

2. Search online for innovators and creators.
People who have developed projects that inspire and interest you. Bookmark those sites. 

3. Attend Stronger Network workshops, conferences and webinars.
Or connect with someone who inspires you. This is a great way to build your knowledge, confidence and network. 

Jesus boldly and humbly releases what is shut up in our bones so His Kingdom and love can unfold and be revealed in our lives and communities. Begin the creative journey, pray, get support and see God use your prophetic imagination in new ways.