What Awaits

A long, winter-weather day. On the road. For a very long time. Weather wreaked havoc on a handful of motorists and slowed the pace dramatically for the rest of us. Then, when everyone else left work and I was still on the road (and a couple hours away, at that), the boss called... to inform me where he had left an envelope for me. I was excited. It wasn't going anywhere without me. It was just waiting... for me.

Moments later, once again... God, I don't have anything to write for #associatePastorTuesday. Ah, but wait. What does God have in store for you, that awaits. And like  yesterday's weather, the circumstances were beyond my control.

I was on the right route. I was following directions. I was headed where I was expected to go. But outside circumstances dictated I could only do what I could. It was bad weather. I couldn't do something stupid and race through traffic. Finding an alternate route might double my expected time of arrival. I had to maintain a safe and steady pace on the path I was on.

What does God have in store that awaits you? Are you being delayed by circumstances beyond your control? Decisions made by you or are (or were)  you affected by someone else' rushed decision?

One must maintain a pace at which they can control what they have to handle. Conditions worsen or people around you start acting reckless, it simply means you acknowledge anew your trust and reliance on God, then take a deep breath and do what you know to do is right for the task which lies in your hands.

It's better to arrive late at what awaits, because of delays beyond your control, than to arrive late because of delays that resulted from your lack of control

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for the circumstances and decisions that make impacts beyond what one can control. Pray for pastors struggling to keep a safe and steady pace; that decisions be not rushed or hurried beyond what is safe and appropriate for the conditions. Whether personal or professional, may they stay focused what they can control... keeping their eyes fixed on the path; continually placing their trust in God; remaining keenly aware of their surroundings and considering their abilities and skill-set as it relates to the conditions in which they find themselves. May they be careful not to worsen any delays through rash or rushed decisions.

For each day has enough worries of its own.  May our out-of-control decisions and behaviors not add to the list.
May we keep our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Patiently excited about what awaits upon our safe, albeit, occasionally delayed arrival.

For His glory. We look forward with anticipation. An envelope far greater and of more eternal value than I hold in my hand.

- PNC

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