Ever feel like praying for God’s will is like calling a customer service hotline?
“All of our operators are currently busy helping other customers. Please hold, your call is important to us.”
Have you ever replied, like I have, “Yeah, well if it’s so important, then ANSWER!” And yet this is how we feel as Christians, at one time or another in our search for God's will. Praying, wondering, hoping we will discover what God wants us to do. We take the spiritual gifts tests, listen to plenty of sermons, and read the many books filling the shelves of our local Christian bookstore. It is not for lack of information or even advice from others leaving us in the dark. Some tell you to be patient and wait. Others use the cliché’ “It’s easier for God to direct something already in motion,” which is an instruction to just start doing something and God will guide you. So you are constantly torn between the two extremes. One has you sitting around praying and reading the Bible hoping for an answer. The other has you keeping busy, trying things out, and still hoping for an answer. Neither is right or wrong. Each person must take whatever approach they feel appropriate to their situation. But either way, the wait is still frustrating.
“Please continue to hold. Your call is important to us.”
I still remember the call. People in my church had been approaching me, telling me they could sense God was going to use me greatly. I was humble, wondering in what capacity they could possibly mean. I looked up to my pastors as mentors, was heavily involved in youth and children’s ministry, and started getting more out of the scriptures than just personal lessons; I started getting ideas for sermons. I also began to lose interest in my current career path. The call finally came as I searched the scriptures and prayed one late night in the quiet of my bedroom. The scripture is familiar to many seasoned believers, but to me in my young faith, it was the first time I had read Jeremiah 1:5:
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (NIV)
This changed everything. God knew who I was and had a plan for my life, even before I was born. And He was calling me to take his message to others. It wasn’t long before I found myself transferring to a Christian school to study Pastoral Ministry. I was passionate, excited, and now finally called to “full-time” ministry. That’s a term people in church often use to distinguish those who were to be pastors and get paid for it. We are all called to be ministers in our own rite and use the gifts God’s given us for His purpose. But many people believe that pastors are the only ones who do the real ministry. And did you catch that part about getting paid? That’s right, they get paid for it. Or so I thought. After years of attending classes, volunteering in churches, doing my required internship, and more, all while working a regular job to pay the bills, I was excited to launch my ministry career. Unfortunately, the “Career Center” at my school wasn’t much help, and since I was busy working in church and a secular job, I didn’t have time to schmooze with the school officials who helped people find jobs with their connections. I figured that this was not going to be like Hollywood: it shouldn’t matter who you know. It shouldn’t matter if you’re not in the right place at the right time. The God in the Bible does the calling, not men. God brings opportunities along and nothing is too difficult for Him. I figured I didn’t need to worry, that if I was faithful, God would place me in the congregation He wanted. So I prayed and waited…
“Please continue to hold. Your call is important to us.”
I sent out about two thousand resumes in the span of a year or so. I didn’t really feel called to be a youth pastor, but I sent to those jobs, too. I had taken a volunteer position at a local church that was new and growing. Like many churches, they promised pay as the church grew. Instead, I found that the Senior Pastor severely lacked leadership skills and ended up letting five staff members go, only to bring in college interns so he wouldn’t have to worry about not paying them. Another ten-month hiatus of searching and finally, I moved out of state to help with a new church plant. After another year of empty promises, poor leadership, and a near church split which included the pastor’s own relatives leaving before I did, it was time to move on. It was difficult to leave, but the situation had become so terrible I was growing really depressed. I worked a stressful secular job to pay my bills or as some pastor’s say “to support my ministry habit,” but I still wanted to be full-time in a church. After all, I was called. God, what’s going on here? I did what you said. I went to school to study hard. I have the huge student loan payments to prove it! I am passionate, full of love and the Holy Spirit and ready to minister. So where is my opportunity?
I began to hear horror stories from many of my fellow alumni. Poor leadership, scandal, lies, rumors, hurt, depression. Many young pastors, wide-eyed and ready to save the world, were being tread under the vehicles of jealous or threatened older pastors who could not give up the reigns a little to a younger generation. The things I would hear pastors had done would shake my faith in a generation of leaders who should be offering advice and support. What had happened to our mentors? Why won’t they trust us, as Paul trusted Timothy? Is this what I was called to? What does God want me to learn from this? Hello…God?
“Please continue to hold. Your call is important to us.”
I will admit, taking a break from ministry has been nice. It’s nice to be a “regular” church member. When I walk into the church, I don’t get swarmed by people telling me I have to do things. Set up the chairs. Fetch the coffee pots and doughnuts. Make sure the Power Point slides are ready. No, I simply walk into church and a nice greeter hands me a bulletin, and I sit in my seat and enjoy ministry like everyone else. Yet, my heart yearns to be behind the pulpit again, preaching the messages the Holy Spirit has guided me to deliver to His people, to use my gifts and skills to counsel, lead, mentor, build volunteers, and lead God’s church to spread the gospel and change lives. It’s hard to sit in the crowd and not criticize. Or to hear the scripture and already know what points the pastor is going to predictably make. It’s even easier with the handouts that have one word per line left blank for the congregation to fill in. It just doesn’t feel right unless you’re the one doing it. It’s hard to grow spiritually when most church services are designed for the seeker or new believer. Even volunteering and serving loses its flavor because you’re born to lead. You’re born to do what you’re really good at. Directing traffic in the parking lot and serving doughnuts, even leading a small group, are all wonderful acts of service. But like the musician who feels the beats and lyrics in his blood, so pastors who are called feel the lifeblood of leadership and ministry flowing through their veins.
So what are we to do? If you have found yourself in a situation similar to that of mine, and dozens of people I know who are no longer in “full-time” ministry and wondering when God is going to provide the next career move, then what are we to do? If we think about it, we can probably come up with the answers. Think if someone in your congregation were to come to you for such advice. You would tell them to pray and wait. You might suggest getting involved in a local church to at least be active in ministry. And you would reassure them that God never leaves us nor forsakes us. The Bible is true, and God does have a plan for our lives. He will guide us, if we are faithful.
Now, one pastor who volunteers in addition to his secular job suggested to me that God is raising up a new generation of young people who do not need to have the title, salary, or prestige of being full-time church staff to fulfill their call. He suggested that the kind of outside-the-box ideas many young pastors bring to the table will only be wasted on traditional “old boy's club” churches. Better to take our ministry to the streets, to the people, a sort of grass roots movement. There are artists, musicians, rappers, dancers, preachers, evangelists, graphic designers, writers, and others with many gifts God wants to unleash on this world to make an impact. So if you are stuck on hold and tired of waiting, my advice is to shift the focus of your prayer and seek what God has for you now, in the waiting line. Direct traffic, run the sound booth or Power Point, teach the Sunday School class, assist the youth pastor; just look for your opportunities to serve and use your God-given gifts. There are new ministries you can start at your church. There are neighbors or co-workers who need to hear about Christ. Find a way to use your creativity and passion to serve, no matter how big or small the capacity. God is faithful. We know that He sees our efforts, and hears the cries of our hearts. We must be patient and wait on the Lord. And we all know that when He answers, it will be well worth the wait.
“Thank you for holding. How may I direct your call?”
Scott Phillips has served as a Youth Pastor, Young Adult/College Pastor and Associate Pastor in Pennsylvania, Florida and California. He has also worked in Human Resources and Recruiting for both corporations and non-profit organizations, and volunteers in his local church and small group. He has a passion to use his talents in writing, teaching, counseling and discipleship to serve others. He is currently working on writing projects for film and television and plans to write a book someday.
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Great article. It really encouraged me to try and see what God is doing in my life right now. It is difficult when you fee like God has prepared you to do something, and then it doesn't happen. It is particularly confusing when your only experience doing the thing you feel is your calling turned out to be hurtful and damaging. Nevertheless, I know God knows what He is doing. Thanks for the encouragement.
Awesome encouragment! Thank you much!
Very inspiring! Although we might not want to hear it sometimes and may think we must be used for bigger things... WE are the volunteers the Church is seeking. Good Job!! ;)
This article has been written with the words of every called pastor trying to hear the voice of God. The challenge is something that we all know, but need to be constantly reminded of - Wait on the Lord.
Scott...God is going to use you and be encouraged by your own words...You're very right, we forget every moment is a moment God could have to touch someone elses life through something simple. Best!
Scott, thanks for a great article that spoke to my situation in some very real ways.
Thanks for the comments. I'm glad it was encouraging.
Scott, your article touched me and I know the Lord will hear you and respond...in His own time of course. It was a well written article and I am proud of you and your skills.
Good words, Scott. Thanks for saying it well. I was there a few years back, I even sold used cars for a few months, boy, was that a ride. Keep walking and learning, man. God is using your life more than you know!
Victory Scott!
Very encouraging word. Sometimes it is very difficult to remember that God knows whats best for our lives, and that the ability to serve in any capacity is a blessing to the body of Christ. We just have to wait until its our "season" to be used. Always remember.."they that wait upon the Lord"..not the Lord that waits upon us..haha.
Stay encouraged and Victorious!
What a great, much needed article! So honest and real. Thanks for writing! Keep it up!
Story of my life!! I'm in a holding period right now... Worked for the abusive pastor and all... Right now, I work at one college while attending another for my masters degree.. I'm thankful for this time out in ministry because once it's over, it's gonna get CRAZY!!
Great artical! I love the operator analogy..how true it is! If you're interested in heading back East I think our minister is getting ready to retire in a couple of years...would love to have you. :-)
Well said!!! I'm currently in a waiting period and your words totally hit the mark.
I'm going to put a link to this article on my blog at http://solshine7.blogspot.com
I understand the waiting game. I have been waiting a long time too. I have watched those I went to seminary with travel, serve, and quit. I pray for you and the rest of us who are called but not used.
I read through Jeremiah only recently. Perhaps there is something to the fact that Jeremiah was called by God to a hard and painful ministry. He was not given a company care, nice office and the like. He was given beatings and pain, much like Jesus, for calling the people back to God.
Thank you, Scott! I am going through a very similar experience and have been wondering what I did wrong along the way. It's good to hear that there are other young ministers sojournering in the desert and fleshing out their call.
Scott, Thanks for sharing. I can really relate to this. Especially this one: "It just doesn’t feel right unless you’re the one doing it." I am in a holding pattern right now, in a job I couldn't care less about and eager to do something that matters. Thanks for the encouragement and wise counsel to get involved. God does know what he's doing even if we think he's crazy sometimes.
wow, I guess there are a lot of us in this boat. It makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one who asks "How long will I have to wait Lord?" And it makes me appreciate the fact that we all have served faithfully, volunteering in a variety of situations that we believe will someday culminate in what God is preparing us for...or maybe He's more concerned with what happens to us during this process than with the results...maybe I'm not really waiting for anything, but need to focus on what He puts in front of me each day and do my best, leaving the rest to Him...it's sure a struggle sometimes amidst the competition & pressures in life, but I don't want to lose the joy of being faithful to the tasks He's called me to, even if I don't get paid for them and it seems like my dreams are still on hold....thanks for the honest article
It's comforting for us all to know that we're not alone. We recently started going to a new church, and we've been asked to help launch some new small groups and to help with the overall connections ministry of getting people from visitor to faithful member involved in service, etc. It's an exciting time, and my day job is even getting better.
Staying faithful...
WOW!
God is doing many new things today......
High tech & High touch have finally come together!
I awaken each day with an "excited anticipation" because I know God will put people and situations in front of me today where I can share & attract Unconditional Love and Compassion with Justice!!
visit: www.generate-unconditional-love-and-compassion.com
good to connect with you Scott
thanks scott for the encouragement in knowing i am not alone. i have been frustrated by being asked to come 'off the bench' a few times a year and try to hit a message out of the park. i agree with you - where are the disciplers whom we can trust to bring us along and help equip for ministry
i have found the same thing often happens in missions ministry. i really thought it was me when things didn't pan out in the proscribed time allotment. i had a seasoned missionary tell me 'you just missed or misunderstood God's call' when the support didn't materialize.
God bless,
Great stuff Scott.
Here's my challenge - maybe it's something some of you have faced as well. When I'm in seasons of "waiting on God," I'm plauged with thoughts of "what if?" "What if I had stayed with the church plant?" "What if I stayed as an Assoc. Pastor with a good pay check even though I wasn't using my gifts/talents?" And those thoughts are usually followed up by, "What if it's an issue of faith or lack of?"
I wish I could say it's been an easy road, but I'm sure like many of you it's been quite the opposite. Wondering, waiting, frustrated that life is passing by and the feeling of "I've got something to offer," just lingers around like an annoying friend while you work in a field you're not passionate about. Thoughts of "maybe God has a better job for me in heaven because it sure isn't happening this side of heaven," permeate your thinking.
Thanks for letting me ramble. Now it's onto another day of wondering what lies ahead.
Bert,
I know exactly how you feel. Before taking a volunteer position with "promise of pay" once the church plant grew, I had an offer at a large church of 4,000 plus with a nice salary, benefits, the whole nine. But the more I prayed, God was very clear that I was not to take that job. I was to stay where I was, and be bi-vocational. 5 months later, the entire church staff was let go by a new pastor, including volunteers! I have often thought "What if I had taken that other job offer?" Perhaps my career would have built on that and I would have had "success" in ministry all these years.
Discerning God's will is the toughest thing for believers aside from dealing with temptation. But when we look back at decisions like that, we have to take confidence that we were truly seeking and listening, and heard God's still, small voice. I once was having a tough time hearing God on a decision and I felt I was hearing something but wasn't sure. I asked God "How can I know that this is you, and not just random thoughts in my head, or my own wants and wishes?" Immediately, I felt Jesus say "My sheep know my voice." I knew then and there, it was from God. I wouldn't have thought that myself.
We can drive ourselves crazy with asking "what if" and focusing on regrets. Everyone has mistakes in their past they regret or wish they could go back and change. Maybe there ARE times that even honest and faithful pastors have missed God's will. But He orders our steps and puts us back on the right path. We don't know what He's up to, but He's always up to something. All we can do now, is pray and meditate and listen to be sure we are moving forward in His will, on the right path He has for us.
Listen for the still, small voice. The voice of your Shepherd.
Some wise man once said to me, "It is sometimes not so important to know what God's will IS, as it is to know what God's will ISN'T."
Scott, thanks for starting this conversation. Your sharing was very comforting and encouraging to me. I had no idea so many people had experiences similar to mine! I feel I was led to read this.
I sometimes wonder if the many books published about following your passion, working from the heart, etc. etc., give us an unrealistic picture of what life is like as a disciple of Christ. OR perhaps we don't hear the stories of waiting, doubt and wondering which people face who eventually find that passion and are able to make a living while doing it.
My guess (and I hope I'm not being cynical from having waited a LONG time!) is that most Christians have a path more similar to the ones people have described here -- finding a passion, struggling to figure out how to follow it, waiting, serving while waiting, occasionally feeling something really works, wrestling with issues of money.
The Christian life takes a lot of perseverance and a dogged determination to have a good attitude -- not giving into regret and negativity which would drain our joy and effectiveness.
I hope all those who have written here will "keep on keeping on." I like the Bible passage which says that now "we see through a glass darkly." We often don't know the impact we're making. God sees our hearts. I believe our intent to listen and follow is what truly blesses God, even if we don't always get it right.
I was encouraged not to give up after having read this ... thanks
I am in the same place as you are. Waiting...sometimes with cynical laughter.,,other times with heartfelt hope. I often think of david who knew his was called by God yet hiding in caves. I wonder what he must have felt. Maybe some of the same things I feel.
I too work a job I cant stand to just meet the bills, and I sit at night listening to the prayers of my children asking God to provide a job for daddy. Waiting is hard, but the bigger question is....What if God is done with me as a pastor? How then to I respond even though my hearts desire is to be part of that kinda community.
Good thoughts thanks
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the word. It apparently rings true for many that feel "put on hold."
You wrote: ...ideas many young pastors bring to the table will only be wasted on traditional “old boy's club” churches. Better to take our ministry to the streets, to the people, a sort of grass roots movement. There are artists, musicians, rappers, dancers, preachers, evangelists, graphic designers, writers, and others with many gifts God wants to unleash on this world to make an impact.
I think this is key. It may be that we should not direct traffic as you conclude in your article, but take the step to see if our vision and calling can live in the street. Maybe fulfillment in our calling lies in taking our vision outside the walls and meeting the huge need that is out there.
I recently attended an Alpha training conference. One of the striking truths that I learned there was that many people who have no experience in the church have no idea who we are, and are intimidated by the thought of "church." But if we bring the "Church" (capitalization intentional) to them, then they have opportunity to find out that:
1. We really do care. 2. We're normal folk. 3. There really is hope!
Blessings and fulfillment in your journey!
Robb
I meant to include a link to Alpha: http://www.alphausa.org/
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Great article. It really encouraged me to try and see what God is doing in my life right now. It is difficult when you fee like God has prepared you to do something, and then it doesn't happen. It is particularly confusing when your only experience doing the thing you feel is your calling turned out to be hurtful and damaging. Nevertheless, I know God knows what He is doing. Thanks for the encouragement. Posted by Jared Lanza | Posted at 12/07/2007 6:23 AM
Awesome encouragment! Thank you much! Posted by Sunup | Posted at 12/07/2007 8:50 AM
Very inspiring! Although we might not want to hear it sometimes and may think we must be used for bigger things... WE are the volunteers the Church is seeking. Good Job!! ;) Posted by Bassma | Posted at 12/07/2007 9:12 AM
This article has been written with the words of every called pastor trying to hear the voice of God. The challenge is something that we all know, but need to be constantly reminded of - Wait on the Lord. Posted by Aaron Hoover | Posted at 12/07/2007 10:26 AM
Scott...God is going to use you and be encouraged by your own words...You're very right, we forget every moment is a moment God could have to touch someone elses life through something simple. Best! Posted by Hannah Hoover | Posted at 12/07/2007 7:51 PM
Scott, thanks for a great article that spoke to my situation in some very real ways. Posted by brandon | Posted at 12/08/2007 5:14 PM
Thanks for the comments. I'm glad it was encouraging. Posted by Scott Phillips | Posted at 12/08/2007 5:33 PM
Scott, your article touched me and I know the Lord will hear you and respond...in His own time of course. It was a well written article and I am proud of you and your skills. Posted by Helen | Posted at 12/09/2007 8:40 AM
Good words, Scott. Thanks for saying it well. I was there a few years back, I even sold used cars for a few months, boy, was that a ride. Keep walking and learning, man. God is using your life more than you know! Posted by tony | Posted at 12/10/2007 7:52 AM
Victory Scott!
Very encouraging word. Sometimes it is very difficult to remember that God knows whats best for our lives, and that the ability to serve in any capacity is a blessing to the body of Christ. We just have to wait until its our "season" to be used. Always remember.."they that wait upon the Lord"..not the Lord that waits upon us..haha.
Stay encouraged and Victorious!
Posted by Dennis Beck | Posted at 12/11/2007 1:08 PMWhat a great, much needed article! So honest and real. Thanks for writing! Keep it up! Posted by Sara Compton | Posted at 12/11/2007 1:48 PM
Story of my life!! I'm in a holding period right now... Worked for the abusive pastor and all... Right now, I work at one college while attending another for my masters degree.. I'm thankful for this time out in ministry because once it's over, it's gonna get CRAZY!! Posted by Brandon Bowers | Posted at 12/11/2007 1:54 PM
Great artical! I love the operator analogy..how true it is! If you're interested in heading back East I think our minister is getting ready to retire in a couple of years...would love to have you. :-) Posted by CAren Altieri | Posted at 12/11/2007 5:08 PM
Well said!!! I'm currently in a waiting period and your words totally hit the mark.
I'm going to put a link to this article on my blog at http://solshine7.blogspot.com
Posted by SolShine7 | Posted at 12/16/2007 9:30 PMI understand the waiting game. I have been waiting a long time too. I have watched those I went to seminary with travel, serve, and quit. I pray for you and the rest of us who are called but not used. Posted by dj collier | Posted at 01/08/2008 7:36 PM
I read through Jeremiah only recently. Perhaps there is something to the fact that Jeremiah was called by God to a hard and painful ministry. He was not given a company care, nice office and the like. He was given beatings and pain, much like Jesus, for calling the people back to God. Posted by Jens | Posted at 01/14/2008 9:51 AM
Thank you, Scott! I am going through a very similar experience and have been wondering what I did wrong along the way. It's good to hear that there are other young ministers sojournering in the desert and fleshing out their call. Posted by Mark | Posted at 01/20/2008 1:28 AM
Scott, Thanks for sharing. I can really relate to this. Especially this one: "It just doesn’t feel right unless you’re the one doing it." I am in a holding pattern right now, in a job I couldn't care less about and eager to do something that matters. Thanks for the encouragement and wise counsel to get involved. God does know what he's doing even if we think he's crazy sometimes. Posted by Andy | Posted at 01/22/2008 2:50 PM
wow, I guess there are a lot of us in this boat. It makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one who asks "How long will I have to wait Lord?" And it makes me appreciate the fact that we all have served faithfully, volunteering in a variety of situations that we believe will someday culminate in what God is preparing us for...or maybe He's more concerned with what happens to us during this process than with the results...maybe I'm not really waiting for anything, but need to focus on what He puts in front of me each day and do my best, leaving the rest to Him...it's sure a struggle sometimes amidst the competition & pressures in life, but I don't want to lose the joy of being faithful to the tasks He's called me to, even if I don't get paid for them and it seems like my dreams are still on hold....thanks for the honest article Posted by Shawn | Posted at 01/23/2008 9:58 PM
It's comforting for us all to know that we're not alone. We recently started going to a new church, and we've been asked to help launch some new small groups and to help with the overall connections ministry of getting people from visitor to faithful member involved in service, etc. It's an exciting time, and my day job is even getting better.
Staying faithful...
Posted by Scott Phillips | Posted at 01/24/2008 1:48 AMWOW!
God is doing many new things today......
High tech & High touch have finally come together!
I awaken each day with an "excited anticipation" because I know God will put people and situations in front of me today where I can share & attract Unconditional Love and Compassion with Justice!!
visit: www.generate-unconditional-love-and-compassion.com
good to connect with you Scott
Posted by Max Glenn | Posted at 02/02/2008 4:33 PMthanks scott for the encouragement in knowing i am not alone. i have been frustrated by being asked to come 'off the bench' a few times a year and try to hit a message out of the park. i agree with you - where are the disciplers whom we can trust to bring us along and help equip for ministry
i have found the same thing often happens in missions ministry. i really thought it was me when things didn't pan out in the proscribed time allotment. i had a seasoned missionary tell me 'you just missed or misunderstood God's call' when the support didn't materialize.
God bless,
Posted by dirk | Posted at 02/02/2008 8:12 PMGreat stuff Scott.
Here's my challenge - maybe it's something some of you have faced as well. When I'm in seasons of "waiting on God," I'm plauged with thoughts of "what if?" "What if I had stayed with the church plant?" "What if I stayed as an Assoc. Pastor with a good pay check even though I wasn't using my gifts/talents?" And those thoughts are usually followed up by, "What if it's an issue of faith or lack of?"
I wish I could say it's been an easy road, but I'm sure like many of you it's been quite the opposite. Wondering, waiting, frustrated that life is passing by and the feeling of "I've got something to offer," just lingers around like an annoying friend while you work in a field you're not passionate about. Thoughts of "maybe God has a better job for me in heaven because it sure isn't happening this side of heaven," permeate your thinking.
Thanks for letting me ramble. Now it's onto another day of wondering what lies ahead.
Posted by Bert | Posted at 02/04/2008 7:27 AMBert,
I know exactly how you feel. Before taking a volunteer position with "promise of pay" once the church plant grew, I had an offer at a large church of 4,000 plus with a nice salary, benefits, the whole nine. But the more I prayed, God was very clear that I was not to take that job. I was to stay where I was, and be bi-vocational. 5 months later, the entire church staff was let go by a new pastor, including volunteers! I have often thought "What if I had taken that other job offer?" Perhaps my career would have built on that and I would have had "success" in ministry all these years.
Discerning God's will is the toughest thing for believers aside from dealing with temptation. But when we look back at decisions like that, we have to take confidence that we were truly seeking and listening, and heard God's still, small voice. I once was having a tough time hearing God on a decision and I felt I was hearing something but wasn't sure. I asked God "How can I know that this is you, and not just random thoughts in my head, or my own wants and wishes?" Immediately, I felt Jesus say "My sheep know my voice." I knew then and there, it was from God. I wouldn't have thought that myself.
We can drive ourselves crazy with asking "what if" and focusing on regrets. Everyone has mistakes in their past they regret or wish they could go back and change. Maybe there ARE times that even honest and faithful pastors have missed God's will. But He orders our steps and puts us back on the right path. We don't know what He's up to, but He's always up to something. All we can do now, is pray and meditate and listen to be sure we are moving forward in His will, on the right path He has for us.
Listen for the still, small voice. The voice of your Shepherd.
Posted by Scott Phillips | Posted at 02/04/2008 8:27 AMSome wise man once said to me, "It is sometimes not so important to know what God's will IS, as it is to know what God's will ISN'T." Posted by Bill Harnist | Posted at 03/01/2008 5:54 PM
Scott, thanks for starting this conversation. Your sharing was very comforting and encouraging to me. I had no idea so many people had experiences similar to mine! I feel I was led to read this.
I sometimes wonder if the many books published about following your passion, working from the heart, etc. etc., give us an unrealistic picture of what life is like as a disciple of Christ. OR perhaps we don't hear the stories of waiting, doubt and wondering which people face who eventually find that passion and are able to make a living while doing it.
My guess (and I hope I'm not being cynical from having waited a LONG time!) is that most Christians have a path more similar to the ones people have described here -- finding a passion, struggling to figure out how to follow it, waiting, serving while waiting, occasionally feeling something really works, wrestling with issues of money.
The Christian life takes a lot of perseverance and a dogged determination to have a good attitude -- not giving into regret and negativity which would drain our joy and effectiveness.
I hope all those who have written here will "keep on keeping on." I like the Bible passage which says that now "we see through a glass darkly." We often don't know the impact we're making. God sees our hearts. I believe our intent to listen and follow is what truly blesses God, even if we don't always get it right.
Posted by Sue Eby | Posted at 04/10/2008 5:32 PMI was encouraged not to give up after having read this ... thanks Posted by see-through faith | Posted at 07/28/2008 4:53 AM
I am in the same place as you are. Waiting...sometimes with cynical laughter.,,other times with heartfelt hope. I often think of david who knew his was called by God yet hiding in caves. I wonder what he must have felt. Maybe some of the same things I feel.
I too work a job I cant stand to just meet the bills, and I sit at night listening to the prayers of my children asking God to provide a job for daddy. Waiting is hard, but the bigger question is....What if God is done with me as a pastor? How then to I respond even though my hearts desire is to be part of that kinda community.
Good thoughts thanks
Posted by Andrew Milich | Posted at 10/17/2008 6:00 PMHi Scott,
Thanks for the word. It apparently rings true for many that feel "put on hold."
You wrote: ...ideas many young pastors bring to the table will only be wasted on traditional “old boy's club” churches. Better to take our ministry to the streets, to the people, a sort of grass roots movement. There are artists, musicians, rappers, dancers, preachers, evangelists, graphic designers, writers, and others with many gifts God wants to unleash on this world to make an impact.
I think this is key. It may be that we should not direct traffic as you conclude in your article, but take the step to see if our vision and calling can live in the street. Maybe fulfillment in our calling lies in taking our vision outside the walls and meeting the huge need that is out there.
I recently attended an Alpha training conference. One of the striking truths that I learned there was that many people who have no experience in the church have no idea who we are, and are intimidated by the thought of "church." But if we bring the "Church" (capitalization intentional) to them, then they have opportunity to find out that:
1. We really do care. 2. We're normal folk. 3. There really is hope!
Blessings and fulfillment in your journey!
Robb
Posted by Robb Sadler | Posted at 10/20/2008 8:41 AMI meant to include a link to Alpha: http://www.alphausa.org/ Posted by Robb Sadler | Posted at 10/20/2008 8:44 AM