I’m feeling content with where I am at this week. I’m taking a break to seek God and only do ministry that he calls me to do, rather than what I feel I need to do in order to get to where I think he wants me to go. For the first time in my journey as a Christian I am not sure what tomorrow holds, yet I am feeling great peace in knowing that I can work through this time with God and not be before his people and potentially cause them to stumble.
For my last sermon last Sunday, I spoke about Romans 15:13. It’s my favorite verse in the entire Bible and it speaks to me in amazing ways…when I allow it to speak to me. Sometimes I take this verse for granted and it’s a terrible thing to do with God’s word. I’ve repented and I’ve been humbled before my Lord. I am learning to live in hope for tomorrow, yet recognizing the beauty of what God has placed before me today. I am hopeful that my time with my family will be honored by God and that he will use me to touch my daughters in ways that they will come to Christ and commit their lives to him as their Lord and Savior. Through my time of renewal and learning to wait on God, I am hopeful that he will call and I will answer in faith. In recognizing how far I have come, and realizing how far I have to go, that God will meet me where I am and show me the way to take those things that I have been gifted at doing and combining them with those things that God has burdened my heart for and made me passionate about. There is much to be hopeful for in the new place I am at this week and what a joyful and peaceful place I find myself as I remind myself of his promise to me and the promise he made to all of his people.
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Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lord God, I pray that you wil fill your people with the hope that will change the world. That through their witness you will become known to those that did not know you before. That the hope that overflows rains down upon those in darkness and calls them to come into your light. May we learn to trust in you so deeply that your Holy Spirit can give us joy and peace through the hope you pour into our spirit, so much so that it overflows into those you have placed around us. In Christ’s name, amen.
Related posts:
- Hope
- Psalms 3, 4 & 5: sleep in peace
- My thoughts on hope: A story of contrast
- I’ve got the power…or do I?
- Review: For the Tough Times: Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope by Max Lucado
Tags: holy spirit, hope, joy, peace, romans 15:13
Nice verse! Your post sounds more hopeful. I’m glad to see that. I’ve been reading an old-timer book called Measure of a Man by Gene Getz. It’s been decent so far. The chapter I just read was called Maintaining Balance. At the end of the chapter when it starts giving some practical tips, the author references Elijah and how he got burnt out in ministry (1 Kings 19). When he flees to Horeb he sits down under a tree and basically prays to die. It’s neat to see God’s response. We all need God’s response in our lives. I’ll pray for God to respond in mighty ways to this season of your life. Keep the faith!
Hey Pete, thank you very much! I am definitely a place where I am seeking balance. It’s hard for me as I tend to go all out in what I’m doing. After stepping out of ministry and weekly preaching and spending some time living life together with my family and letting them know how much I love and appreciate them, my perspective is changing and I am feeling a renewed sense of calling :) Your prayers are very appreciated. Thank you again!
your double negative in the 1st sentence of the 2nd paragraph (last) cues me that maybe your church planting endeavor is coming to an end? Sorry if I misread…
just that we’re in the same boat. On the verge of shutting the project down. Don’t mean to be a downer but that’s where we’re at – and the future looks bright. Hopefully we can be a source of encouragement to one another.
Wayne, I’m currently in a state of prayer and discernment to confirm what I feel God wants to do with me in Sacramento. I’ve ceased the active part of planting, but haven’t given up on it. Actually, I feel as if I’m getting the direction I need to move the more I strip things away from my daily life and turn those things to God.
Regarding preaching, I have been preaching at my home church while my pastor works with me to develop my preaching skills so I can be better-prepared to launch the church plant. So far we’ve only had a few preview services, but have yet to officially launch. The launch plans are on hold now though as I seek the Lord on this with my wife.
Regardless of what happens I agree that the future does look bright and that I am finally in a place where I believe I can accept whatever it is that God presents me with…ministry does not need to be fulfilled through me as a church planter or pastor, he can use me in ministry within the workplace or marketplace and especially in my own household :)
Anything I can do to help you, please let me know. I am praying for you still.