Daniel 10:10-12
“A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, ‘Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.’ And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. Then he continued, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.'”
Have you ever experienced times of uncertainty in your life? I recall a major juncture in my life that required much prayer and fasting. I had a very successful career as a criminal justice planner. In fact, I was Deputy Director of our agency. But God seemed to be calling me into active ministry.
The problem was that I did not receive an immediate answer. What did I do? I kept right on inquiring of the Lord. In a way it was frustrating, yet at the same time it drew me closer to the Lord than ever before.
It was weeks of soul searching and waiting for God to lead the way. When the answer came it was a little scary because it was something that had not been done before. It was during the lunch hour and I had been praying and studying the Bible at my desk. I felt the Lord leading me to write something down on a card:
1. Your Senior Pastor will ask you to become a part of the pastoral staff.
2. He will ask that you begin on a part-time basis. (There were only full-time associates at our church).
3. You will be asked to serve as Pastor of Discipleship.
I felt a strange feeling of peace sweep over me. I knew that I was simply to rest in the Lord and allow Him to work out the details. I had no idea how He would do it. It was a few weeks later following the evening service that the Senior Pastor asked me over to the parsonage for a snack. At that exact instant the Holy Spirit spoke in a clear way: “Be sure to take the card!”
We had a bite to eat and it seemed like the Pastor was acting a little uncomfortable. He finally blurted out, “I would like to talk with you about something.” I knew it was time to step out in faith so I slipped the card from my pocket and placed it upside down on the table.
He proceeded to ask, “Will you consider becoming a part of the pastoral staff on a part-time basis and to serve as Pastor of Discipleship?” I asked him to turn the card over and notice the order that I had been directed to list them. We both wept with joy that the Lord was in control.
When we pray, the Lord hears, but it may be weeks, months or perhaps even years before we hear His voice. His timing is always perfect and His plans for our life are for our good and His glory.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil