When Failure Finds Us

In life there are times that failure finds us. It might be through a financial mistake, a disappointment in ministry, the end of a relationship, or a sin that seems to ruin our lives. Or maybe the failure is smaller like a minor car accident, a horrible outcome of a deacons' meeting, or a selfish act that demands that we apologize to another.  It may be our fault or something that is beyond our control. Whether our “failures” seem big or small we each must decide whether we will face them with God or without Him. 

Potential Glory - Part Two

We see the idea of potential glory in the story of the Israelites. In chapters 13 and 14 of Exodus we see the Israelites who had been freed from slavery. God had heard their cries and had delivered them from the power of the Egyptians.

After several days of traveling, God leads them to a “dead-end.” The Red Sea is in front of them and mountains are on the sides. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, hears about this “mistake” and decides that he should never have let them go. He calls out his army and marches after the Israelites.

Emotions - Window to the Heart

Is it good to be emotional? Some would probably say “yes”, others maybe “no”. Some of it might depend on the family you come from, the cultural background that you have, or your temperament. Some of us are very emotional because that’s the way that we have chosen to live life. Others of us hold our emotions in check because we are afraid of losing control or making ourselves vulnerable. At times we allow ourselves to feel angry because it makes us feel strong and in control and we refuse humility because we are afraid that somehow that makes us weak. Others of us refuse to love because that demands that we draw close enough to another human being that all kinds of emotions will be stirred and at a deeper level than we’ve ever known. We are afraid because we know that if we give our hearts to another they will have the ability to hurt us worse than anyone else.

The Finisher of Stories

            We all have stories. Some of our stories include forgiveness, peace, joy, and hope while others of our stories include mistakes, pain, addiction, and regret. All of us have parts of our stories that we wish we could go back and change, but we can’t. Thankfully we serve a God who is a Finisher of Stories.

Is it harder for single pastors to find a job?

I recently read an article written by a single pastor who was bothered by the fears that people have of hiring single pastors. I agree that at times being single is a hindrance to getting a job in ministry, but what perspective should we have as single pastors. As we examine ourselves and walk humbly with our God will He not open the doors that He wants open and close the doors that He wants closed? If God controls the hearts of kings (Prov. 21:1) does He not also control the hearts of search committees and missions agencies. I agree with the writer of the article, but I am just not ready to trust my future and my calling to the cultural and theological whims of man. Yes, we need to prepare our resumes and go to interviews, but if God has called us, and if we are walking with Him, then He will make a way where there seems to be no way. Whether I am full-time, part-time, or volunteer, my calling remains the same. As we love God and love neighbor I believe God will make things right according to His will and not ours. He works all things for the good. May we rest in Him, even when we are searching for where God wants us next.