The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans (8:28) “All things work together for good, to them that love God, who are called according to His purpose.” I had the opportunity to preach on that a few weeks ago in a little Baptist church that is searching for a pastor. There is a lot of hope and joy in the small congregation but they realize the need to find a pastor who will care for them and encourage them to build up the body of Christ. I believe I could be that pastor-- if indeed I were called to serve at that particular church.
What I have learned as I have looked for a church is that the LORD is sovereign and is indeed working all things together-- not for MY purpose but HIS. When I truly take my hands off those ‘things’ that work together I find a great peace and joy in knowing that He is in control, working His will in the ministry to which He has called me.
Last weekend I traveled to San Marcos, Texas, to meet with church members, elders, and a pastoral search committee. The fellowship was surpassingly joyful.
Where the spirit of the LORD is there is freedom-- the freedom to worship, to experience the presence of the LORD, to come together as one body in love and care and encouragement. Yet while this church was also small in number, it was large in its expression of love for the LORD. It was a veritable Heinz 57 dollop of brothers and sisters in Christ whose backgrounds included Quakers, Catholics, Jews, Southern Baptists, Methodists, and Pentecostals. With such diversity one might think that it would be chaos-- but the richness of the traditions did not clash, instead, there was a greater focus on what we all had in common in the person of Jesus Christ.
The weekend was filled with firsts for me. I went on a Saturday morning run and got lost. I helped cut up a tree that had been uprooted and I was impaled by cactus needles on my knees, hands, and wrists! If you want to avoid looking like a pin cushion I suggest wearing long pants and gloves. I had the opportunity to be questioned at length on all three days of my visit. It was both exhausting and yet spiritually exhilarating.
The interesting part of knowing that you have been called to serve is this: No matter which door God opens you must be ready to walk through it. If, when all is said and done, no door opens to you-- then you have to believe that God in His sovereignty is working all things together for good, to them that love Him, and are called according to His purpose. His purpose. Yes, His purpose. Not our desires, not our will, but His will, His purpose, His calling.
Wherever you are on your walk with the LORD, remember to let Him lead. Allow His word to light your path, and whatever door opens to you-- don’t hesitate-- walk in the light which He has prepared for you.
Dave Macy (aka: Dave Deppisch) spent 30 years as a conservative talk host on a variety of stations in markets like Atlanta, Nashville, Toledo, and Ft. Wayne. He was drawn out of his profession into the ministry and now serves as an associate pastor. He preaches several times a year and is also available to bring his unique style of common sense conservative talk along with his faith in Jesus Christ to any setting that is looking for a speaker with humor, common sense, and Christian values.
He is the author of DoubtFreeLiving.com,and has been privileged to speak at CBN and appear as a guest on World Harvest TV.
