The Pressure Cooker

I haven’t written much in terms of content lately. I have been wading through a spiritual and emotional bog for a couple of months now and unfortunately it has left me running on reserves only. I haven’t been thinking much, just doing. Impact Church is coming under some pressure, probably our first significant pressure since we launched nearly 2 years ago. Because of this there are lots of people praying, I am one of them. Finally, over the last week after speaking with some old friends I have started feverishly seeking God for some perspective. During this week I have had the privilege of attending a church planter’s conference and also spending some quality time with some friends last night. Through all of it I have been hearing one clear message from God, ‘I have called you and its not up to you to decide if it makes sense’. Its a good message, especially for me to hear during times like this when ministry is gaining enthalpy and guys like me can easily be deceived into thinking that I have no place in ministry at all.

So, as we approach this time of pressure and squeezing I consider that the path of least resistance is not necessarily the path to take. Sometimes, and maybe often God will allow us to go through those harder doors. ‘ …but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.‘ (Romans 5:3-4). Its totally backward to our own wisdom. On the heals of that I am reminded that we should not be wise in our own minds (Proverbs 3:7). I find these ideas to be upside down when compared to our conventional common sense, or more accurately our conventional common sense is upside down compared to these ideas…but I digress. Consider this piece of common sense, ‘Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.’ (Yoda to Anakin Skywalker – Star Wars Episode I) Suffering here is the final, horrible end to a long path of misery and darkness. In God’s kingdom suffering is the refiner and the beginning to character, hope and wisdom.

So I have chosen to surrender and submit to God.  And if I am to believe that God is good, which I do, then I HAVE to believe that this pressure and heat is for the betterment of God’s kingdom and for my good.