For the next few weeks, you will hear from some of our trusted affiliate mentors with Leadership Investment Intensives. Today’s post is from Stephanie Smith, and she shares vulnerably about freedom through mentoring.

“You’ve settled for a shoulder-to-shoulder working relationship with Me. But, I want a face-to-face relationship with you.”

These were the words God spoke to my heart in prayer a number of years ago. Distinctly, directly, diagnostically. Although I did not anticipate His words – and frankly, I didn’t recognize my heart was in that deteriorating state — the truth behind those words accurately diagnosed chronic spiritual conditions that could not be sustained. And, God’s love would not let me continue.

Truth always sets us free.

His words prompted both honesty and a question: “Yes, God. I see. But, what do I do now?” I had served faithfully for years in vocational ministry, I was raised in a pastor’s home, and I had led many others into areas of freedom in Christ. But, when the tables were turned and my own condition revealed, I had to admit that I needed a mentor to spiritually companion me for this freedom journey.

For some, the idea of seeking a mentor may feel intimidating or even embarrassing, particularly for those who invest in and lead others.  But, spiritual mentoring does not look like another person giving directives, opinions, or offering novel suggestions for my life. The Holy Spirit leads and guides into all truth (John 16:13-15). Mentoring is not about getting a downloaded to-do list that leaves me feeling even more ashamed and burdened. Jesus invites me to learn from Him, because His gentleness and humility enable me to find rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Mentoring is also not an opportunity to remake me into another version of the mentor.  A true spiritual mentor will point someone to Christ and then get out of the way.  The Apostle Paul encouraged others to follow his example of following Christ…not to follow him personally (1 Corinthians 11:1). Alicia says, “The goal of mentoring is Christlikeness, not cloning.”

Successful spiritual mentoring always leaves a bountiful harvest of personal growth and lasting spiritual fruit. Because I said “Yes!” to God’s invitation to join Him on a freedom journey, and, I had a mentor walk intentionally alongside me, here are a few of the recognizable gifts I’ve received:

• A deep revelation of God’s unconditional love
• Clarity
• A safe place to process, grieve, dream
• A place to honestly express doubts and disillusionment
• Freedom to detach from outcomes
• Freedom to bring everything into His presence, knowing I am completely accepted by Him
• Truth from my core
• New tools, resources, and ideas for how to meaningfully connect with God in each season
• Renewed intimacy in my relationship with God
• Freedom to love God with ALL of me…to appreciate and explore His design and embrace the uniqueness of my relationship with Him
• Being known by God and another
• Rediscovering safety and value in vulnerability
• Authenticity
• Christlikeness
• Wholeness
• Acceptance of myself and my circumstances – both the things I can change and those I cannot
• Reconnection to the Father-heart of God
• Finding interior freedom, a calmed and quieted spirit
• Spiritual movement forward
• Deep, abiding joy and peace with His plans for me
• Excitement and anticipation for the future
• Ability to love God, self, and others…the world

And, I could keep going.

I’m still on this amazing ride, because God’s love continually invites me into new terrain. With Him. And, if He is inviting you to take a journey with Him…my advice is to take the ticket.  Just do it. You can’t begin to imagine the freedom that awaits on the other side of your “Yes!” to Him.

What freedom journey is God inviting you to take in 2016?  And, who will accompany you?

From Alicia: “Steph has been providing formal spiritual mentoring and direction since 2013. Her presence is like a breath of fresh, spring air. She is a gifted thinker and strategist with two feet firmly planted in practical living. If you dream big and want to live true, Steph is an ideal mentor for you!”

Applications are open for the 2016 Mentoring Encounters through Leadership Investment Intensives.  Through retreats, intensives, practicums, and spiritual direction, Lii creates “quiet places” and practically equips leaders in the church and marketplace to discover new, sustainable rhythms of spiritual health and rest. Click here to learn more about Mentoring Encounter cohorts now forming.