Don't Hang On!

I got to thinking, as we've been talking about control or rather, our lack of it when it comes to circumstances that reach beyond our understanding and comprehension, that there is a great temptation to hang on to things longer than we should.

We hang on to control, even we know we don't have it (or are losing it)
We hang on to the frustration of a matter.
We hang on to the problem, even as the solution is being implemented.
We take things back with us, when we leave the altar that we just approached with the intent of leaving something there.

I'm smiling, because we all remember the scene with Charlie Brown and Lucy playing football. We often think of God holding the football, and when we go to kick, as Charlie did, Lucy withdrawals the ball....and we fall flat. But perhaps, the opposite is true. We hold control and God says, if you'll let me see what I can do, where I can send it (whether to kick it out of our life or to move us father than we could on our own) and as He comes in, we pull away. Don't take it yet, don't touch it yet, don't kick it... I want to hang on to the matter a bit longer.

While it makes for a great cartoon scene, it also makes for a frustrating reality.

I think this is one of the toughest things for leaders. To know what to hold close, what to hold loosely, what matters enough to justify their time, energy and input and what matters little enough, to allow someone else the opportunity to engage, minister and manage.

So, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that God would continue to help pastors with their realities and the frustrations that lie therein. Pray for wisdom, to know when to engage and how to respond. Pray they would not attempt to be so in control, that it gives way to pride and ego and becomes a hindrance to the work and Word that you desire to accomplish in both their lives and ministries. Pray that God would give them strength, as they perhaps continue to struggle with some long, drawn-out problems and battles that are long-overdue for solution and resolve.

May God work the miraculous,
As we let go and allow Him
To will and to way His purpose.
For the glory of God.

- PNC