# Discussions...

... as in sharp discussions.

Pastor spoke last night, during our Wednesday night prayer devotional, on Joseph...aka Barnabas, aka "Son of Encouragement". It was a great devo, but in the back of mind, I kept wonder what God had in store for this #deaconThursday post.

In the final moments, I heard it. Barnabas focused on building bridges. He reached out to Paul, when the disciples wanted nothing to do with Paul after his conversion. Then, Acts 15. A disagreement between Joe and Paul. Joe wanted to take Mark (as in John Mark, author of the gospel of Mark) on their missionary trip. Paul wasn't having it and for legit reasoning. Verse 39 tells what happened... after a sharp disagreement, Paul and Joe part ways. And Joe builds a bridge to Mark and takes him, while Paul runs with Silas.

You could follow this story back in the days of early church social media with #missionarysplit.

That said, not everything works smoothly in the church world. Not everyone gets along. Not everyone stays in ministry for life; nor in the same ministry position for life; or at the same church, for that matter.

Despite the split, though, you have to consider the point made by Pastor. What if the church didn't have Joe? Paul doesn't get accepted by the disciples and 14 books of the Bible don't get written. John Mark doesn't get a second chance at ministry and 1 of the 4 gospels never appears.

Even in the frustrations and the tensions, there are times when good things come to end. But that doesn't necessarily equate an end to good things. Indeed, this is classic example of the sovereignty of God. One missionary journey became two. John Mark gets another opportunity to be used of God. And Paul?

Perhaps somewhere in the 14 books is insight that results from the realization that someone vouched for him in spite of his mistakes while he later rejects the opportunity to extend grace after someone else' mistake. #considerthat

So, we pray this #deaconThursday for the sovereignty of God to take precedence in tense moments of sharp discussions and disagreements. May problems and circumstances be resolved amicably and without undue harshness, even if parting ways result. Pray for a spirit of grace to cover the multitudes of mistakes along the way, while retaining a spirit of discernment to know when enough is enough. Pray obedience in ministry remains paramount... that personalities, styles, preferences and opinions all find their place; subject to the will of God and in alignment with what He desires to accomplish in our lives and the calling He has placed upon us.

May the sovereignty of God takes it's rightful place in the lives of those who follow Christ May we stand by the courage of our convictions, even when sharp discussions lead to parting ways. For God works ALL things together for His good...

And for His glory.

- PNC

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