So many pastors are church planters. Builders.
These leaders face projects and goals and being overly busy across the roles they cover. They are often rushed, sometimes burdened by thankless, unappreciated duties. Hard labor atop the foundation of being a Pastor—composing sermons and notes, managing seasons and calendars… amounts to serious professional pressure. Most labor quietly and gracefully to balance and manage their roles. Their aim is “A race well run.”
Eventually things change. Retirement or burnout—eventually, the role must pass to others.
There is either upheaval or adventure in the aftermath.
In my experience (not as a pastor, but as a volunteer) I have learned to love how, as one door closes, the Lord has gracefully prepared – in advance! – new openings for us to pass through.
His desire is that we thrill in the joy of receiving his provision. He provides the opportunity. Sons of God remain forever free to either walk our way or His. I know superb caring pastors that have walked away from faith after a crisis.
So, what’s next may be a consequential turn, or a quiet little lane barely noticed, but his preparation is perfect. It’s our choice to enter or turn away.
He prepared the opening for us, and his joy is complete when we advance with bright eyes, laughing in childlike glee, without any pretense or fear. Genuine believers are not precocious, only thrilled. “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it.”
It’s heartbreaking when we see that there is no actual joy, only a countenance clouded by drudgery, suffering and labor to accomplish goals. And my spirit weeps because letting go of expectation is the path to the freedom of being just who God made us to be. Happy kids who never fear loosing control of outcomes.
Whatever obstacles, inconvenience, pain or wounding thorns we encounter – the way opened to us is filled with His presence. His grace is sufficient.
Even if, as it sometimes seems, nothing may be next or much less than before – The presence in the emptiness is fresh! Vacant time begs to become an overflowing season of worship or space for silence and humble listening. It does not matter that if through the door is a lesser duty or a crushing trial, these only amplify His promise of steady companionship.
Walking and talking with the Lord is an ever deepening friendship. Always growing.
