A Great Cloud...

Recently, I had the experience of being able to come before the consistory of my home church, the church that I grew up in, seeking affirmation and support for my decision to enter seminary. This may sound like a rather scary experience for some of you, somewhat of an inquisition type atmosphere where they drill you to see if you're worthy enough for their support... much less seminary.

I have to admit that an atmosphere like that would be rather intimidating and that is in fact something like what I expected. It was, however, quite different that than. Think back, if you have a moment... to your childhood... to all the people that were there, that influenced you, taught you, helped you to grow into the person you are today. Now, years later, as you have grown and matured, you have the opportunity to come before them to show them how God used them and worked in your life to make you the person you have become. You then have an opportunity to say that God has used them in what is now a very real and visible way to impact others as well!!

This is the experience that I had. Yes, there were questions from them. There was also approval and encouragement from them! But ultimately it was for me, the ability to meet with many people that have had a very profound impact on my life to talk with, respond to, be encouraged and prayed for by some of the formative people in my life.

I really think that this is a very physical experience of what the writer of Hebrews was talking about in Hebrews 12:1-3 when He wrote:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

I didn't really realize how grateful I am for my cloud of witnesses... but I am... so grateful it almost moves me to tears. I have been so blessed by those of you, my friends, family, teachers, and mentors, and what God has done for me through you. I only hope that my life and the race that I am running is one that you too can be proud of... and that you can know that God used YOU to impact even just one life.

THANK YOU my friends... for all you have done and all you will do! I covet your prayers in this time of change and transition... and would like to know how I can pray for you too in this time as well.

Grace and Peace...

Decisions...

Two roads diverged in the woods... I chose the road less traveled?

When life presents you with two paths... take the third option?

Sometimes you have to test the waters...

I have found myself, in the last several weeks, faced with many important decisions about the future. Sometimes, when life is going on just like normal, you can become content and thankful for a life that is going so well. Other times we can become apathetic to our situations. This was me in October... finding myself at a church that I had been at for a while, in a job that i had been in for a while, living in fairly the same way that I had been for a while...

I was becoming apathetic.

Fortunately, the Lord is good and faithful! He didn't want me to just be comfortable... and He certainly didn't want to have me being apathetic. So He stirred the pot a bit... and I couldn't be more thankful.

After two job possibilities, one or two internship possibilities, a wonderful new relationship, and a definite direction to seminary in the fall... I have found myself jolted out of my apathy and bring really excited about the future!!

So... I have to ask myself... are these new possibilities all about my getting a new job? Or were they about waking my up from my laziness?

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Though taken out of context, the truth of this verse remains.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

This too is a promise of God... and both of these have rung very true in my mind lately. We cling to these promises in times of uncertainty... knowing that God is God and He has everything under control!! What a wonderful truth and comfort in times of uncertainty!

So what about the future for me? for anyone?

1 Peter 1:13-16
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Our call is to be faithful to God... obedient to Him... and to be so in a way that is "fully alert." I don't know Greek, nor to I know the Greek word used here, but I think that it signifies intentionality. We aren't supposed to lazily, sleepily, apathetically go through life just being good... we are called to be OBEDIENT and FAITHFUL... we are called to be HOLY because we serve a HOLY GOD. This is not something that can be achieved by apathy.

God brings answers in uncertainty, healing in pain, and light in darkness...

Until the answers come, I wait on the Lord for direction...

...down the road less traveled (or not)

...in the third option (or the first or second)

...in walking on the water!