Trusting God Through The Changes of Life

Today and old friend sent me some photos from our longest standing Pastorate. There were pictures of baptisms, some of my first in ministry, trips and fellowship with church family. We were blessed to lead a congregation of people in a small community in rural Georgia for almost seventeen years. It was there that I learned what it meant to be a leader, a pastor, what success was, and at times what it was like to fail. Looking back over those pics I thought of how young Selina and I were and how small our, now adult, daughters were. They were years filled with blessing, and growth for my entire family. I could not help but consider all the types of change that has shaped my destiny to this point.

Exodus 15:13 In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Tomorrow will be the birthday of my oldest daughter, Cadarina, who passed away twenty-three years ago. I remember the pain, the many sleepless nights, countless surgeries but through it all God was always faithful, even until her last day with us in this life. 

Job 1:21 21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

You ask, why am I sharing this? LIFE is full of changes, good, bad, amazing, sad and glorious ones. In all of it, God is busy shaping our lives into His preordained plan. I don't know what your journey looks like right now, but what I do know is that God will walk with you, lead you if you will allow it. Will you let Him paint your picture of life. I will leave you with this. While serving in my first pastorate, I remember the holy spirit revealing to me how God had been directing my path. I prayed about a list of things that had seemed to not workout for me, a secular job choice, the death of my daughter, and now, some challenges for a twenty-one year old pastor. I saw a chess board and the holy spirit softly whispered to me, "I have been arranging the pieces all of your life to fulfill my plan". That was the day that I knew, even when I cant see it, He is always working for me. 

Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Prayer: Lord I pray that all who read this will be reminded of your hand of providence. Father we give you our life, our heart, this journey and we trust you with each step. We confess you as Lord and King of our life.  Lord will you lead us, forgive us and wash us clean. Holy Spirit take control and do with us as you will, that we may bring Glory to your name all the days of our life. Amen.