Where Do I Turn?

It's interesting to reflect and consider career tracks and job decisions... how do people end up where they are; how do they choose where they go, what they should do, which position should they accept. Some people have the coolest and most interesting gigs.

Then, there's the rest of us! Overwhelmed. Frustrated. Stressed. Some combination of over-worked and under-paid... or paid well, but still too much hassle for the money. But all of it got me thinking...

Does anyone say "I wanna work in the church offices when I grow up?" Sure there's a need for great office staff and administrators and others who work to keep the church operational; just as much as any organization needs qualified people to keep things running smooth.

Hopefully people are stepping in and filling these positions because they do love their church and the people of God and want to make a difference utilizing their skills and resources for the ministry. But it's just as easy to see how someone could do the job simply because there is an opening and they need the work... which very well could have an element of truth to the reality of the matter.

As I considered this perspective yesterday while behind the wheel, I zoomed out the screen of my GPS. Sadly, life doesn't work like this. We rarely, if ever, see the complete picture of where God is leading us, from beginning to end. Turn-by-turn directions... what are those for the life of faith?

Indeed, the Lord does direct our steps; His Word a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Which means we usually have very little notice of any turns or changes on the road that lies ahead. To those around us, this is the automotive equivalent of braking and making the turn, flipping on the turn signal as we begin cranking the steering wheel... "Oh, we're going this way, I guess!"

Knowing what God has in store for you; figuring out where you are supposed to be and trying to decipher how to bring your reality into alignment with God's plan is difficult. Certainly, it's a struggle, especially when it feels that there are pieces missing... as if a couple of turns weren't included on the GPS. Or perhaps they were a little vague. "Turn on unnamed road in 0.2 miles."

And we apologize to those around us for the abrupt change. But it reinforces our need for God's help. It establishes our need to seek Him first and trust Him with all our heart. Though we may want to back down and jump off, the journey is worth it, for those who stay the course.

Pray, this #deaconThursday for church staff struggling in the positions they hold. For those, whose heart perhaps in not in their work, would God strengthen and encourage them. Pray reassurance that God has a plan for their lives and a kingdom-purpose for their skills. May God grant them guidance and wisdom, as to whether they are or aren't where God desires for their lives. Pray for peace in their spirits where there is unrest. Calm where there is fear. Patience where there is anxiety. Pray a faithfulness for each of us, as we wait on God; trusting in Him anew and seeking His face. May we do well what is in front of us to do now while we await the "this is what's next".

Standing on the promises of God
Trusting in His timing.
For His thoughts and ways are higher than ours.
May we rely on His truth
To illuminate our reality.
For His glory and service, we pray.

- PNC

---