What a blessing God has given us through Sam, Lauren, Judson, and Paxton! I have been delighted to see the fruit of Sam’s and Lauren’s ministry since they came to Grace in January. I have personally benefited from serving the Lord with Sam.
I believe Sam’s time as our Minister to Families has been far too short. Nevertheless, I trust that our Lord has a plan for Sam and his family and for Grace Baptist. I have certainly learned that my personal desires are not always a good indicator of God’s will.
Hearing and answering God’s call can be a mighty struggle. Moses struggled to answer God’s call at the burning bush. Gideon struggled to answer God’s call, putting out the fleece twice. Jonah ran the other way. Even Jesus struggled with God’s call when Calvary’s cross loomed ever so close. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he asked God to let this cup of suffering pass by.
How can we hear God clearly? Romans 12:2 exhorts us to avoid being conformed to the pattern of this world, instead to be transformed by the renewing of our mind so that we can test and approve what God’s will is. The clutter and darkness from this world make it difficult to discern God’s will. Offering ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) positions us to hear and follow God’s plan for our service to him.
Worldly notions about God’s will and our own preconceptions can make it harder for us to understand our Lord’s guidance. For instance, we might assume that the struggle is usually to answer God’s call into fulltime vocational ministry, to leave ‘secular’ employment and make our living at church work. But God may call someone out of ‘church work’ for a fruitful ministry through volunteer work in the church and a gospel presence in another profession.
Knowing God’s call is worth the effort. He made each of us and equipped each of us to serve and succeed in a particular way that builds his kingdom and brings deep satisfaction to our soul. All the accolades of the world are but a dim flicker compared to Jesus’ words when we finally see him, “Well done my good and faithful servant!”
We may struggle, but God doesn’t give up on us. In fact, I believe the struggle is part of the journey. Moses, Gideon, Jonah, and others struggled with God’s will, but they eventually found their way to the right path and accomplished great things for God. Hearing and answering God’s call will be a mighty victory!
How did Jesus resolve his question about God’s will? He got down on his knees and prayed. He wanted his closest friends to pray with him, Peter, James and John. They were nearby, but they fell asleep.
This is no time for us to fall asleep and miss the hour of prayer. Let’s resolve to pray for Sam and his family. And let’s resolve to pray for Grace Baptist. We seek to know our Lord’s will so that we might walk in it.
May the Lord stir our hearts to know and to follow his perfect plan,
Brother Richard Foster
brotherrichardsblog.com 