God Is Up to Something Big!

“We have left everything to follow you” (Mark 10.28) Thus was Peter’s response when Jesus told the disciples of the demands for entering the Kingdom of God.

As most of you reading this blog already know, Lana and I are in the midst of significant changes in our lives. I have been “between assignments” since November 2, 2008, when I resigned my position at Circleville Nazarene. Since that time I have been diligently seeking a place of ministry as pastor of a local church or in any other capacity as God would direct. I have entered into a considerable reading and self-education program. Even so, the right door to my next assignment has not yet opened. We have consistently felt impressed of the Lord to “Wait.” And, we are still waiting. On top of the that is the good news that it looks as though our house will be sold my mid-March, and we will have to be out by March 31.

But we are not worried! As I read Mark 10, I realize that Jesus recognizes that Lana and I have left everything to follow him. 20 years ago, we left our home and security to go where Jesus called us. But, true to his word, Jesus has given us homes of joy and peace and growth. In spite of the fact that our kids are spread across three states (We’re down to one time zone, though!), Jesus has given us a deepening relationship with our children and each other. He has given us the joy of seeing our daughters and sons-in-law love and serve him. Yet, also true to his word here in Mark 10, along with the blessings have come “persecutions” or perhaps better described as trials. Our current uncertainty is one such trial.

Still, we have great expectation as we wait upon the Lord! We have confidence that God will see us through this “tight” place into a broad and spacious place. May he grant us wisdom to do what is right. We know God will give us wisdom (James 1.5), so we ask with confidence that you, dear friends, pray with us for the right doors to open in the next 5 weeks. God is up to something big! For, he is a big God!