By Gobel Brockman
In the early to mid 80's my wife and I sang in a Gospel group that played in local churches during services and special events. Sometimes I would preach afterward as well. There was one church in particular that scheduled us on a fairly regular basis, and they always asked me to preach. On one particular occasion, however, the Pastor called me and specifically told me, "For this service I just want you to come and preach, and I need to speak with you after the service." After that service we went into his office where he told me that due to health issues, he was going to have to step down as Pastor. He then went on to tell me; "I've spoken with the Elder Board of the church, and they are 100% in agreement with me that we would like for you to take over as Pastor here."
As a fairly-new credentialed minister, the thought immediately interested me. My mind instantly began thinking of ways to begin growing the church and "doing the work of the ministry." But I gave him the answer that is expected in situations like this: "Give me a couple of days to pray about it." He agreed, and I told him that I would call him as soon as I felt I had a definite answer from the Lord. I immediately went to prayer that day thinking that it was a mere formality, but it wasn't very long before the Holy Spirit clearly spoke the will of the Lord in this situation:
"NO."
"No?" "NO??" It didn't make sense to me. This church was a recent church plant that had several good, God-loving people in it. The area was a wide-open opportunity for growth. I was willing to step into the calling and give it my best. Everything seemed to be in place for my next step into fulfilling the call of God on my life. So what happens when the opportunity arises?
"NO."
I prayed and asked God why not, and I heard the Holy Spirit speak to my heart a very simple answer: "This is not the place I have called you to be, and if you take the position it will do more harm than good."
At that point, I knew that there was no doubt that I had received my answer. I also knew that I had a choice to make. All I had to do was tell that Pastor "Yes" and the position was mine. So was I going to go with what I thought made sense, or was I going to do what I knew what God wanted me to do? Thankfully I picked up the phone and made one of the hardest phone calls that I've ever made. But it was also one of the best.
You see, we're all familiar with the story of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane just before his crucifixion and resurrection when He prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39) It may have been possible, but it wasn't God's will, and just as Jesus had to pray that prayer, so do we. We may never travel to Israel and visit Gethsemane, but if you're serious about living for Jesus, you're going to have your Gethsemane moments.
What's your Gethsemane right now? Praying about a career change and can't feel peace about it? Trying to talk God into letting you enter a relationship with someone who isn't living for the Lord, but "you're sure you can turn them around?" Trying to go forward with your "Yes" when you know God's answer is quite different? Whatever it is, let me encourage you with a simple thought: God knows what He's doing. Even though it made no sense to me then, I can look back now and see just how much trouble I was spared by listening to the will of God instead of going my own way.
My message to you today is simple: don't enter your Gethsemane and pray, "Not my will, but Yours be done" unless you're prepared to prove that you mean it.
No comments:
Post a Comment