If, So...

There's so much of life, the we look at, as cause and effect... in a reactionary way, yes, but in a process. The classic, "if, then" statement.

Then there's the song, So Will I. A truly powerful song, that I reflected on during last nights joint service, when men's and women's ministries comes together once a month with the college/career group.

So Will I talks about the vast greatness of God and puts into perspective what our response to it should be, as we position ourselves in relationship to who God is. And the chorus walks us through several justifications.

If the stars were made to worship, so will...
If everything exists to lift You high...
If the wind goes where you send it...
If creation reveals God's nature...
If Christ gladly chose surrender...

And a number of other similar statements; all as a reminder that while we might have reason for not doing and being as God would have us to be, we have, as the song states, a billion better reasons to do and be what God has called us to be and to do... and to go.

As the service progressed and the men gathered for their session, the long-term youth pastor, now associate pastor, shared some of his story. As a point of detail in the background of his ministry, reluctance to step into a formal, pastoral role. As if the responsibilities didn't "scare" him off, but the title itself. We've prayed before that sometimes titles can stand in the way, to the point that we don't engage or fulfill our purpose at any level.

But even still, sometimes there is just enough that stands in our way that we don't fully engage and take advantage of the opportunity that God would use to an even greater degree and measure than ever thought possible. And the power of the story is that there was one who sat across the table and called it out of him.

Perception. Discernment. Obedience.... to see it and to speak.
And to the hearer... to step forward in it.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, that God would do the supernatural, to break the barriers and fears that prevent pastors and would-pastors from stepping into the role and purpose that God has ordained. May God place people in their lives who would see the dream, calling and anointing that God is desiring to reveal and help them to respond in obedience. Pray that reasons to not do something be cast aside, in favor of the eternal reasons that God would have things to be done and courses of action to be taken.

May fear not hold us back from ministry,
But that faith would propel towards a greater impact.

For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC