By Hannah Puckett
Every Friday at the start of our “Leadership, Vocation and Society” class, Dr. Irwyn Ince plays
us a song. It has been one of my favorite moments each week—a chance to calm our hearts and minds and enter into what God has in store for class that day. One morning back in October, Dr. Ince shared with us, “He Has Time” by Common Hymnal. One line in particular struck me and I quickly scribbled it into my notebook:
“He’s not in a rush, He has time for your healing."
I have listened to this song on repeat in the months following, however the weight of these words has only just begun to sink in. The last four months in Fellows have challenged me to acknowledge and sit with my brokenness, blind spots, and the parts of my story that still need healing. My natural tendency in all of these areas is to identify a quick-fix solution so that I can embark on a DIY journey of “sanctifying myself.”
This has led to a lot of frustration when inevitably I continue to fall short again and again. Why hasn’t God changed me already? I feel like I am putting in the work yet why am I still struggling with the same sin, brokenness, and insecurities? In his book, You’re Only Human, author Kelly Kapic seeks to answer these questions. He writes: “We tend to associate God’s good work with finished products,” but “might it be true that, although He clearly does not enjoy our sin, God values the process of our growth and the work involved in it, and not just the final product?” (pg. 145-146).
Sanctification, being increasingly transformed into the likeness of Christ, is not a DIY project
nor is it quick. It is an ongoing process and God is not in a hurry. I am learning that in the
process of sanctification, He wants my complete and utter dependency and trust. I can rest in knowing that nothing can separate me from God’s love (Rom. 8:38). He has given me His Spirit who invites me into active passivity as I yield with open hands to the work that He is doing in my heart. I can rest in the promise that “He who began a good work in [me] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6).
Other songs that have been an encouragement to me this semester:
“More Like Jesus” by One Voice INT Music feat. Canaan Baca
“Not in a Hurry” by United Pursuit
“Come and Tear Down the Walls” by Common Hymnal
Hannah Puckett is a member of the Capital Fellows class of 2023-24. She is from Williamsburg, VA, and is a graduate of Washington & Lee University. This year, she is working as an intern at The Market Project.
Pictures From The Week
Caroline showing off her snowman ornament at Live Nativity!
Fellows feasting.
Fellows' Christmas party at Grace's host family's house.
White Elephant book exchange for last commons of the year.
Know a Potential Capital Fellow?
If you know a college senior or recent graduate who should consider joining the Capital Fellows program in 2024-25, please encourage them to get in touch with us. The easiest way to express interest in the program is through our Contact Us Form. You can learn more about the program, including application deadlines, by visiting the Capital Fellows website.
About Capital Fellows. Capital Fellows is an advanced leadership and discipleship program for recent college graduates. Through graduate courses, a paid internship, one-on-one mentoring, and many leadership and community service opportunities, fellows develop and apply their gifts in real-world situations while learning to integrate a Christian worldview into all areas of life. Capital Fellows is a unique opportunity to live and work in the Washington DC area and to be an active member of a supportive community that seeks to serve the city with the love of Christ. It is also a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in the workplace while deeply exploring God’s design for us as workers and contributors to human flourishing.
Pray for the Capital Fellows
Thank you for praying for the Capital Fellows each week!
Each of our Fellows will be traveling over the next few days to be with friends and family for Christmas and a two-and-a-half week-long break before their next (and last!) semester begins in January. Please pray for safe travels and for deep rest to come from their time away, conversations with family and friends, and reflections on Christ this Advent season.
Want to pray for the current Capital Fellows in an ongoing way? Download this handy prayer guide for your phone or tablet.
About The Fellows Initiative
Capital Fellows is part of a network of similar programs across the country. This network is called The Fellows Initiative. There are 34 Fellows programs in TFI, roughly 3,000 alumni living around the world, and more Fellows programs on the way.
If you know a church in the US or Canada that would benefit from joining TFI by launching a new Fellows program. Please contact TFI by visiting their website.
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