Directives. Without Directions.

Have you ever had someone ask you to do something, but left it entirely up to you as to how to get it done?

Part of it's exciting You have ideas, you figure something out, it looks like it's coming together.

Then at some stage, the person comes to check on the progress of the task. You know what's coming, right? The opening line to what is probably about to change your mood.

"Why don't you..."

If it happens in your marriage, it's about to throw a monkey-wrench in your Saturday.
If it happens on the job, the wrench could last a little longer.

You've been given a directive without directions.

Well, technically, there were directions. Or ideas for directions... they just came later. After you started without them. And the directions somehow, usually aren't clear as they should be. As my pastor who updated his social media status last night discovered. Two graduate degrees from seminary, yet the instructions to the toy grocery stand for his kid to play with has now earned the title of "greatest academic challenge".

Interestingly enough, this is how life feels many times with God. He has something for us to do, yet sometimes, not much illumination other than the first step in front of us. Sometimes, not even that. Hence the famous last words...

"Step out in faith."

Then, after a time where we feel like Israel wondering in the desert again, God says..."you know, if you did...." Thanks God. Where was that when started this thing?

Life seems to have a fogged over or frosted windshield as we travel, while the rear-view mirror is clear crystal. If only they were switched. Foresight should be 20/20 and hindsight frosted over. There's less regret when it's harder to see it, making it harder to remember.

But for all that, God has a plan. He can be trusted. And while it may only be one step at time, He will direct our steps and illuminate our paths. As frustrating as it may seem at times. He is faithful.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for pastors struggling with the directives and the directions (or lack thereof) that they may be facing or experiencing today. May their faith be strengthened; their commitment to seek God first renewed. Pray the frustration of the moment would subside; that their would be a calming of their spirit as they refocus their efforts to wait on God for what is next, in whatever decisions need to be made in circumstances they find themselves. Pray for a clarion call... this is the way of the Lord. May the windshield be cleared; the path made straight; a new-found confidence in God and His promises.

He who is faithful, who began a good work in you, is faithful to complete it.
May your regrets along the way be few.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

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