By Gobel Brockman
Several years ago my wife and I sang in a Gospel group that played in many churches in our area. Many times 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, instead of having your group come and sing I just want you to preach, and I need to speak with you after the service." After the 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."
I had just received credentials as a minister, and his offer immediately interested me. My mind instantly began thinking of ways to begin growing the church and "do 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 to my heart about the 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 finally comes?
"NO."
I prayed and asked God why not, and the Holy Spirit gave me 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 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 phones calls I've ever made.
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 definitely 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?" Are you trying to go forward with your "Yes" when you know the Holy Spirit is saying "No" to your idea? 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 look back now and I am so thankful that I listened to the will of God instead of going my own way. I am awestruck and humbled by the doors that God has opened - and continues to open - for my life and ministry. I am fulfilled and content. Had I listened to my own opinion instead of God's direction, God only knows what might have happened.
My message today is simple: don't enter your Gethsemane and pray the prayer, "Not my will, but Yours be done" unless you're prepared to prove that you mean it. The good news is that praying that prayer - and meaning it - will be the best thing you've ever done. God's way is indeed the best way.
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