January 25, 2012

What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do?

A colleague of mine preaches a sermon entitled, "What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do."  We all have been there.  Some of you may be there right now.  If you aren't you probably will be at some time.  Life has a way of putting us there.  God has a way of allowing us to be there.

I meet with pastors often that find themselves there.  Is God through with me here?  Should I prepare my resume for distribution?  Should I dig in and fight the opposition here in the church?  Should I just get out of the way?  Why is this happening to me?  Why did this happen to me?  All real questions and all questions that are being asked.

I have talked with deacons and church leaders that don't know what to do when decline sets in or they have members "belly-aching" about a pastor (whether it is justified or not).  One thing I do know is that when you are dealing with God's church you need God's wisdom and insight and you don't get that from Oprah, Dr. Phil and Forbes. 

The writer of Proverbs writes, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil" (Proverbs 3:5-7, NASB95).

The Psalmist says, "Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday.  Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. " (Psalm 37:4-7).



What we are talking about is a confidence in God that waits and relies on Him.  Waiting is hard.  Waiting takes patience. 

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