Sunday December 4

For almost two years Tammy and I had been feeling a change was coming.   We did not know how or what and definitely did not know when - we had just been feeling a change was in the air.  The best way I could explain it was that it was like the leaves on the trees were changing - but we did not know what the next season would be.

Feeling change and not knowing when change is coming is a torturous place to be.  Yes, it gives hope to hang onto, but for analytical minds, it can push you over the edge trying to figure out what is going to happen and all the "why's" and again, especially the "when".

Finally, in prayer one day I had to settle some things.  I sat in a darkened Sanctuary in Bossier City and there alone I reached the place were I could say to the Father that if it meant that I spent the rest of my life doing what I had always done - all I wanted to know was that I was doing His will:  that I was where He wanted me to be doing what He wanted me to do.

I walked from that Sanctuary completely at peace.  I stopped trying to figure out what could happen or the schedule I thought would be best for God to do it in.  Tammy and I continued to give ourselves completely to the areas of ministry God had afforded us.

And then it happened.  We did not see it coming.  But less than four months after that prayer in the darkened Sanctuary, Tammy and I had moved to a city that before that summer we had never visited, blessed with the opportunity to pastor a congregation we did not know even existed that day when I had prayed my prayer of surrender.

Today, as I have for most Sundays since, in just a few hours I will again stand in the pulpit of this congregation to which God called us over 13 years ago.    If the Lord enables me to do so I will speak to them today from Exodus 13:17 -- that even when we do not understand why or how God is working in our lives, we can be confident that He is leading us down paths and at the pace which is in our best interest.

Father, today I thank You for placing Your hand on my life.  While I am completely aware I do not, nor have I ever deserved Your favor and mercy - I am so grateful You believe in me more than I believe in myself.  That even when I cannot see what You're doing or where You're leading -- that You always are working everything together for my good.  I thank You that You can be trusted to lead me down paths and at the pace which is in my best interest.

Today I thank You for Oak Park - for the privilege of ministering Your Word to this congregation.