Change.
Change is a word that inspires excitement in some but dread in many. The truth is that life is filled with change and periods of static rest seem to be the exception to the rule.
Our church is getting ready to go through the big change of having a new pastor. As a friend and I talked through the blessings and the challenges in store, she shared with me a verse that jumped out at her from her quiet time that morning:
Romans 15:5-6, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
That verse is the perfect prayer for our church and for any of us as we face change.
We pray for endurance to run the race to completion, even when the hills get high and the potholes gape.
We pray for encouragement to look for the best in people and circumstances when pessimism and criticism come seeking center stage.
We pray for unity as we move forward together, and we value unity over our diversity and individuality. If we're really following Jesus, He's the One who gives us one heart--His own.
And it's all for God's glory. He's our ultimate goal rather than the plan or strategy itself.
As my friend and I continued to talk, she expressed her desire to be "All In", and that flame was fanned in my heart.
Here I stand. At the beginning. Before any results. I'm declaring that I'm all in. I'm in this for the long haul with a church family that I love and a pastor that I believe in. No matter what change comes, I'm all in.
What change are you facing? How challenging is it to be "all in"?
Change is a word that inspires excitement in some but dread in many. The truth is that life is filled with change and periods of static rest seem to be the exception to the rule.
Our church is getting ready to go through the big change of having a new pastor. As a friend and I talked through the blessings and the challenges in store, she shared with me a verse that jumped out at her from her quiet time that morning:
Romans 15:5-6, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
That verse is the perfect prayer for our church and for any of us as we face change.
We pray for endurance to run the race to completion, even when the hills get high and the potholes gape.
We pray for encouragement to look for the best in people and circumstances when pessimism and criticism come seeking center stage.
We pray for unity as we move forward together, and we value unity over our diversity and individuality. If we're really following Jesus, He's the One who gives us one heart--His own.
And it's all for God's glory. He's our ultimate goal rather than the plan or strategy itself.
As my friend and I continued to talk, she expressed her desire to be "All In", and that flame was fanned in my heart.
Here I stand. At the beginning. Before any results. I'm declaring that I'm all in. I'm in this for the long haul with a church family that I love and a pastor that I believe in. No matter what change comes, I'm all in.
What change are you facing? How challenging is it to be "all in"?
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2 comments:
Amy~Great post. My church just went through the process of choosing a new pastor. After many months of prayer and searching, the search committee chose a candidate. The search committee spent MANY long hours in interviewing and searching. Some people in the congregation were critical of the committee, but they let God lead them and stayed on task. It is SO important to "be all in" in such a process and to support one another. Let God lead. Thankfully, we now have a new pastor and we are learning to love him and his family.
Great inspiration...no matter what changes we are facing!
Praying for you and your church!
Love you!
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