Building Millstones

We've all had our moments.

We all want to be "in the know". We think we deserve to be; we ought to be; we secretly hope that we will be... whether the outcome of the situation impacts us directly or we're just wanting to know how things will turn out in the aftermath, we spend a lot of time in analysis and conversation rather than simply waiting for events to unfold.

Commentary and critics abound...

... about an investigation on the national-political scene
... about the member make-up of our favorite rock band and any changes that may occur
... about the "personal" reasons an athlete withdraws from an event

We simply can't seem to avoid the temptation to "weigh in" on a matter. Or at least inquire as to what's going on. Even innocently enough... "what's going on with x, y, or z co-worker?"

Within the church body, this can be even more frustrating and detrimental than any other arena of life.

Rumors and gossip have the greatest potential to become the millstones that will weigh down and defeat a congregation when enough people decide it's more important to "weigh in" rather than "wait & see" the outcome for itself.

I understand; it's frustrating at times to be looking at seems through the front window. But there's just way too much going on to allow the unknown to stress us out until there is an outcome to be dealt with and worked through. Sometimes you just have to truth the one who is "in the room".

So will you pray with me? On this #deaconThursday, pray for those "in the room"; may God grant them wisdom and direction in the decisions they face and work through the challenges of negotiating the when, where, why and how and with whom they should go. May churches ride themselves of the rumor mills and gossip trains; that the body of Christ would be a community of discernment; of understanding and of principle. Pray for churches that are in turmoil and trouble; where opinions abound and the commentary and critics seem endless... may a clarity come over those circumstances, as well as a peace to people's hearts and minds. May they not spiral out of control in confusion, but be controlled by the Spirit into a clear path of healing and restoration for the plans and purposes God has in store for them.

May God be "in the room".
Not that he would bless our decisions,
But that He would direct our steps
And illuminate our paths.
To bring us out of trouble..
To keep us out in the first place.
For His glory and honor.

- PNC

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