Ordained Stops?

Pastor preached a great message on Stumbling In 2017.

While he presented a great, Biblical insight as he presented the message, in the back of my mind, I was thinking... I feel like the posts for #seniorPastorMonday always come out of a sermon point. Not there's anything wrong with that... it's just something I though it'd be cool to be inspired by something or someone else that God dropped in front of me.

Enter a quote by George Muller, the evangelist in England during the 1800's whose orphanage cared for over 10,000 kids under his leadership.

In preaching on the journey we face this new year, he quoted, among a number of scriptures, Psalm 37:23.

The steps of a righteous man are ordered of God...

While discussing the life and work of Muller, he shares the "version" of that verse as stated by Muller....

The steps (and stops) of a righteous man....

Well...that did it, Lord. Thanks!

As change is on the horizon in my personal life already in the weeks to come, this truly struck a cord.

That God orders our steps and has ordained a plan and a destiny for a life (should we choose to accept it) is pretty incredible. Yet, when a road block or obstacle enters our way; when the unexpected happens and we see our life being detoured and diverted in a way that makes no sense, or the outcome now seems elusive...

Well, where is God now?

Ordering your steps... even at the points of detour, diversion, avoidance manuevers and dead-halt stops.

Sure, in the moment it's gonna freak us out and throw us off balance, causing worry, frustration and stress. To which we just realized God still has us, still directing us. We are not set on the course, left to not be in His presense again until we finish. The promise that God will never leave us nor forsake us has no expiration date or time stamp.

As we enter the reality of 2017, I can't think of anyone better to pray for, that every step and stop in the journey with God is by His Sovereign Hand.

Thanks once again, for joining me in prayer, this #seniorPastorMonday, that pastors would find strength in that their steps are ordered of the Lord and comfort that the stops are as well. Though they stumble, whether great or miniscule, may they rise again by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. May they never find themselves so far out that they experience the removal of the hand of God upon their lives and ministries. Pray the stops and detours of their personal journey as well as they public ministry cause them to press in and draw all the closer to God; seeking His face in greater dimensions than ever before. Though the trials be great, may the come out purified, as God stands with them in the fires of life in which they find themselves, regardless of whether it be from their own actions and decisions or impacted by another's.

Walking or stopped;
Moving or waiting
May the bond to God remain strong,
Though we rely upon Him, 
It is He who lifts us up by His strong right hand.
​For His glory

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