Life's Little Challenges

Since surrendering to the ministry I have been met with challenge after challenge. I have been faced with a number of really tough decision to make, not just for myself, but for my family. I know that God has called me to preach and to pastor. I know that He has big plans for me and Michele; otherwise, Satan would not be so constant in discouraging us. We have decided, as a family, to follow God's call and move to Ft. Worth to attend seminary at SWBTS. Since making that bold decision, we have struggled with the reality of selling our beautiful home (at a loss) and buying another home that is not as big or nice. I have felt a little overwhelmed at the thought of a Master's program that requires 97 hours and will consume at least 4 years of my life. The truest paradox and my greatest fear are both quickly becoming a reality- I am destined to preach and pastor (my childhood fear) and at the same time I have an unexplainable desire to preach and become a pastor.

After a frustrating weekend dealing with our realtor and spending the day Monday looking at houses that just weren't that great, I was easily overwhelmed when it was time to go through the advising and enrollment process Monday evening. Feeling sick from all the stress Monday night, I turned to the back of my Bible and found a devotion that talked about God's timing and purpose in our life. It brought to life a passage that told of a person that had spend years suffering, not because of their sin, but so that Jesus Christ could receive glory when He worked a miracle in the person's life. Additionally, I recalled a scripture that I committed to memory while in college: Proverbs 3:5,6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Oddly enough, the devotion that I read was written by me in 2002.

It amazes me how God can orchestrate the details of our lives and how those of us who boast of great faith can demonstrate such a poor example of our own belief in God' ability to handle our concerns when we face even the slightest adversity.

I know that God has a purpose for me and my family and we are anxiously waiting, trusting in His power to make it happen.