After The Aftermath.

I honestly had no idea when I wrote Monday's prayer, specifically surround the situation with Perry Noble and the church he founded, that it would turn in to this... yes, this is essentially part 4 of #pray4Noble. I didn't know it was coming until about 20 minutes or so after I posted yesterday's prayer.

Satan, the enemy of our souls, knows that life is complex. Along with that, our relationships and connection points, that bind people together. He is out to seek, kill and destroy and will use whatever means necessary; so anything he can do to gain access and use opportunities such as this gain ground on an individual or a group, rest assured he will use it to his advantage. He is determined just as much as hold fast to the promise that God will use the same situation for His glory.

We've prayed for Noble and what God would work in his life directly through this situation.
We've prayed for the pastoral board that has been involved in this decision and now must continue forward.
We've prayed for Noble's family, specifically, his children and their response.

So who's left?  Well, his congregation for sure; but more specific than that, those who remain and continue in church operations to meet the needs of the congregation and do the work of ministry; albeit now with the aftermath of this matter on the forefront of everyone's minds.

This was the founding pastor! Consider the deacons and elders who have been involved since day 1 on every decision that affected the church and it's direction during this time. Administrators who bought into the vision and mission of this church, to ensure effective ministry to this body and to this community. To have risen to this level of growth and prominence in their community, not to mention nationally and global as the expanded their influence to the greater Christian community and churches across the world. Consider the staff and volunteers who remain; who are now fielding questions from every direction and helping people through a difficult time of intense emotions, strong opinions and unsettling conversations.

This church is 20,000-30,000 in number. (I can't remember which it was that I read Sunday night). I pray they come out victorious and intact as they go through this; however, this is what Satan lives for... to take down an influential pastor as well as his family and to destroy the church that remains after his removal. This is an opportunity for him to wreak havoc. An opportunity for chaos. An opportunity for him to do his best work.

Yet for all this, he remains a defeated foe. Through prayer, may he be reminded of that today.

On this #deaconThursday, lift up this church in prayer. For the deacons, admins and staff that must continue carrying out ministry and help the pastoral team in the next steps of direction for this body, may God grant incredible wisdom. Pray conversations would be seasoned with grace. May they remain steadfast; standing on Biblical principles to guide their decisions, with every step. Pray for a humble confidence; relying solely on God to see them through this time; yet confident God will meet every need; provide every solution and will work miracles; whereby their impact for the kingdom of God will be greater than ever thought or imagined in their history. May the havoc be non-existent; may the chaos cease. Pray a calm in the midst of the storm; that this would be a time for all involved to draw closer to God and strengthen the bond of unity among them.

May their trust be in God alone.
The author and finisher of our faith.
Through whatever we face.
Victorious; for the glory of God.

- PNC

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