Monday April 12th
I was reading about Gideon yesterday. It was good timing. I would need God’s encouraging Word yesterday to prepare me for today.
Gideon was called by God to obey and follow the crazy thing He was asking him to do. But Gideon needed a little bit of convincing. Like Gideon, we all have doubts from time to time. But as my “Leadership Bible” says, “a person convinced by God is a person possessed by God and used by God. And an ordinary person used by God is one who can do extraordinary things for God”. Then I wrote this prayer in my Bible – “Lord, I just don’t want to read about these stories in the Bible or stories in modern day life – I want to be one of those stories of a simple guy used by You in great ways simply because I was willing to walk by faith”.
I mean don’t you? Don’t you want to be used by God? But then He calls you to do something absolutely ridiculous, like He did with Gideon, and then pending what people say around you and pending people’s reaction to your calling, you’ll start wavering on God’s call. You’ll start doubting maybe.
Well I am not doubting today or nor am I discouraged, but since last night some meetings have been cancelled, postponed or simply have not gone according to plans. I am also understanding that this bold step of faith is hard for some folks to understand because it seems sometimes certain things have to be in place in order for radical faith steps to be accomplished. Well I don’t see it that way and that’s ok. The Lord will do what He needs to do.
I met with these great guys today at Hunter Street Baptist Church – little did I know their church is literally right next door to this RV Park and baseball park I have been staying for the last few days. I was encouraged to hear the story of the Senior Pastor who’s been at that church for over 25 years. Wow. Pastors who can go the long haul in their tenure always amaze me! I mean I am sure they had to deal with doubts at various times in their ministries. But this guy Senior Pastor Buddy (not just in Newfoundland they call each other “Buddy” – here down South also) seemed full of life after all these years of ministry. And we know ministry can take a toll on you.
So doubts. If you have them that’s ok but give them to God and walk by faith. That’s what I have done today.
Till tomorrow …
Still praying for that divine appointment …
Press on "buddy" - LOL!! Our whole family is praying for you. It's amazing to hear the simple prayers from our two kids "Lord, provide for Eastern Canada Amen." and "Dear God, keep Pastor Rick safe"
ReplyDeleteHi Rick,
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog for about a week now. I made some phone calls to contacts down in Dothan, Alabama, but didn't come up with anyone to meet with you. The large church that my mother attended, and my sister still attends was my first contact. They are unfortunately deep into a building debt, and unwilling to allow anyone to ask for money at this time. I was pretty disappointed in that news, but I asked for some references to other local missions-minded churches that might be good contacts for you to check out.
A church staff person said you should contact Memphis Baptist Church, Cloverdale Baptist Church, and Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. So, Rick if you are going to be heading southeast towards the Florida border, these churches might be good stopping points in Dothan, Alabama, my home town. Dothan is about 4 hours drive from Birmingham. Montgomery is halfway between the two cities.
I'm praying for you, and keeping tuned into your blog while you are traveling.
Much love and good wishes for you,
Trish S. in Winnipeg
Ok folks - thanks to the new folks who have joined my daily blog on this crazy trip of mine. If you've written comments before, I've finally figured out how to leave you / respond to your comments. I have been reading them. So if you've left me a comment in previous days, you may want to go back and see my response. Thanks to everyone again. I get so many encouraging emails and notes. Blog #11 is coming up!
ReplyDeletePS: amen Al!Say thanks to the kids!
ReplyDeleteAnd Trish - I've just sent you an email because I did not know how to respond to these comments until now. Great to hear from ya!
ReplyDelete