Lost & Stuck

Some thoughts from yesterday...

Everyone knows where centered it. We can find the bulls-eye, we know when someone is the center of attention (or always has that desire); we know when someone is self-centered and correspondingly, can easily spot those who are Christ-centered. Somehow, dead-center often seems fairly obvious.

Conversely, on the edge, is also fairly easy. You know when you are getting close; we know where the boundaries are. We know when someone is on the fringe; Usually you can tell when something is amiss, to the point that breaking might be in the near future.

It's the middle that can seem like the Bermuda Triangle. Wherever everything come together. It's a sense of loss and nothingness. Seemingly no direction. Possible obscurity. Felt by children, who are neither the oldest, nor the youngest. Felt by travelers with no landmarks nearby to speak off, by the work who feels their project will not be complete anytime soon, even though they have been working for quite some time. It seems to be where everything gets stuck, oddly enough.

Of course, pastors and leaders aren't immune. Not having control of the situation, not being the decision-maker in the room, sometimes not even being a part of the discussion. These can all lead to sense of insignificance, even though you remain an integral part of an operation.

So, pray, with me this #associatePastorTuesday, for pastors feeling lost and stuck, in the middle of life, in the middle of church. Pray for a clarity, of who they are; of what they are to do; of where they are to go and the plans God would have them fulfill. Pray for a strengthening of their spirit and a renewing of their mind. Pray for a sense of focus and determination; that indeed, whatever they put their hand to would prosper. May their be a girding-up, as they go about their work and their life; a clear sense of purpose and direction to be made known. Pray the attack of confusion and discouragement; distraction and frustration would cease.

A clear focus.
A strong will.
Plans for a hope and future,
For the glory of God.

- PNC

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