1st Time 4 Everything

Leave it to God, in His sense of humor to provide confirmation, that I am facing something in my life, up close and personal, at this particular stage, for the very first time. I wasn't thinking about it, when I came up with the title, either. Hours later, the irony switch flipped.

I found out over the weekend, that friends of mine had taken on a new role at another church a while back. While the one spouse had been involved in worship ministry in the past, now she was leading worship.

A whole new world.

To this day, I love how our Worship Pastor describes this role. There are worship leaders and there are lead worshipers.

It's a great and powerful perspective... especially when you find yourself in unfamiliar territory. One focuses on who you are, the other, on what you do. One focuses on your position to man; the other on your position to God.

The more I thought about this, yesterday afternoon (as I pondered another potential situation, that also would be a first), I thought about how often God called forth men and women, totally unprepared to do in full, what God had asked of them. Save this... their heart was willing. Sure they had doubts. And questions. And hesitant moments. But, in the end, obedience won. They dug deep, did what God asked and God use them to advance His kingdom. In the process, their is much to be learned from the lives' mistakes to their life's faith.

So you and I must do the same. For unfamiliar territory. For unknown outcomes. For unseen paths that await us, as we move forward with God. It may be our first time, but for God, He is a seasoned professional. We can trust Him, for His help, guidance, support, correction and love. 

Pray with me, this #associatePastorTuesday, for those pastors finding themselves in unfamiliar territory and situations... facing challenges, difficulties and opportunities for the first time. Pray for wisdom to make the right decisions. Pray for understanding, that they would know what you desire to accomplish. Pray for strength, that they would not give up in frustration. Pray for favor, that God would prepare their steps and place the right people at the right time as to work the miraculous.

May God have His way in our lives as we acknowledge our reliance upon Him. Whether we be experienced or rookies, God also has something more. Something new. For His glory; accomplished through willing hearts.

- PNC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

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