I was reading, just this morning in the Business Insider, that Nashville ranks 14^th among “U.S. Cities That Are Driving The Future”. The study, conducted by the Milken Institute cites more than 4000 new jobs provided by the resurgence of the automobile industry. It goes on to highlight the addition of the Music City Convention Center, the new Omni Hotel, the expansion of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and our many restaurants and bars as the reason for the city’s growth. Add to that list, that we are the Christian music capital of the world. Additionally, one could cite our many publishers, our artists, our professional sporting events, and our assorted historical sites. It’s not hard to see why Nashville ranks so high among U.S. cities that drive the future. Truth is, we live in a city that has influence on a worldwide level!

That being said, as I investigate in my own heart the implications of living in a city that ranks very high in global reach and influence and being actively engaged in the ministry of Living Sent and it’s vision to win the city-gates one city at a time, I wonder at God’s global purpose in us. By “us”I mean you and me. Why Nashville? Why LSM? Why us? Why now?

What if God really does have a plan to reach the city? What if God really does desire to use us? What if Nashville is supposed to be a major player in an end-time revival of souls? What if God plans to use us in His divine global initiative for one last big surge of His Spirit and Presence across our land just before the grand coming of our Lord? What if LSM is a to be a key player in that sort of movement? What if God really did take a broken business man and stir up his spirit in order to wake us up, to mobilize us, and to exact change in our city and beyond? What if?

What if we turned the “What if” question on ourselves? I mean what if it got personal? What if I asked God what my part is? What if I asked God to search my heart? What if I reached a little deeper? What if I asked myself what costs I am willing to pay? What if I gave all of me? What if I engaged? What if I invested? What if I prayed? What if I applied the principles of LSM to my own earthly pursuits in business and at home? What if God really did want to use me? What if I…?

Let’s be found faithful.

*Suggested Bible Reading for Further Contemplation: Nehemiah 2:11-18