God's Ways

As I think back over the events and decisions of the last few weeks I find myself contemplating a passage from the Book of Isaiah. Eugene Peterson translated it this way in The Message: "'I don't think the way you think. The way your work isn't the way I work.' God's Decree. 'For as the sky soars high above the earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beynd the way you think.'" (55:8-9).

We have NO IDEA how God has orchestrated the things that have happened. Some bring us to tears as we think about them. The death of my father carries with it the pain of separation but the overwhelming joy of knowing he's with Jesus. Other events make us scrath our head in wonder as we look at the timing and answers to what we've asked for.

As I've made preparations for my move to Van, TX I've seen again that God's ways and thoughts far exceed what I could ever achieve. He has worked in the lives of the leaders of the church I'm leaving to move the church forward without so much as a single missed day of full-time ministry. With their decision to employ a dear friend with a heart for God's people they have done a slingshot leap forward.

Oh sure, there are those critics who say, "We didn't get a vote!" But they haven't heard the prayers of the leaders as they petitioned God for wisdom, guidance and answers. They haven't stopped to think about the bigger picture of the entire congregation and the unique needs that are presented in ministry to this body.

God's ways are ALWAYS far beyond our feeble imaginations. His thoughts constantly run circles around what we could ever dream up. We simply have the challenge of stepping back and letting His ways direct our paths as we serve Him and the people He put in our way.

Anticipation

Life continues to bring new opportunities and with each one we can choose to anticipate the best or dread the worst. In my line of work it's easy to become cynical and find the things that are "wrong" with the church and the people that are part of it. But the truth is, if we'll accept that fact that every human being has their own way of doing things, their own style, beliefs, biases and desires, then we'll go a long way toward putting aside the judment that sends us toward the dark side of dread.
I am anticipating with great excitement the change that is coming in our life. We are about to move from a city of over 200,000 to a town of about 3,000. I'll be working with a church of about 120 instead of 220. We could wring our hands and worry about the services that aren't available in that small town or we can choose to settle in to the lifestyle that comes with being removed from the hustle and bustle of the larger city. We could worry about whether or not there will be enough people and money to do the things the church needs to do or we can look forward to unifying the body for involvement that in percentages far exceeds what most churches experience.
Anticipation brings excitement and renewed strength. Dread pulls us down and blocks our desire to move forward. As we anticipate our new home, work and area of play we are excited for the opportunities we have been presented.