As the time for my departure from Grace soon arrives, I wanted to take a moment to publicly give thanks. Although the days have not always been easy, there is so much in life to give thanks for daily that one would be remiss to not see and express gratitude.
First, a great big thank you to our Heavenly Father. He was (and is) faithful on the days full of laughter and smiles and He was (and is) faithful on the days when my faith was weak. I could not imagine doing life without a personal relationship with Almighty God through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Secondly, a great big thank you to the team I got to serve with day in and day out. You will not soon be forgotten and as the apostle Paul wrote "I give thanks upon my every remembrance of you." I will miss you and give thanks for the many lessons we learned together and the many lessons you taught me.
Thirdly, a great big thank you to the Grace Church family. It is not always easy to shepherd a flock and it is not always possible to be in agreement at all times with everyone. Yet, the privilege of getting to serve the Lord Jesus as a shepherd to His people is something I will never take for granted and will always give thanks for. So thank you Grace Church for letting me be one of your pastor's.
Finally, a great big thank you to my wife and children. The life of being a pastor's wife and PK is not always an easy one. What we as shepherds do day in and day out follows us always and this impacts a family. Please know that I would not have made it all these years as a pastor without the love and support of a loving, encouraging and gracious life partner. You are a blessing to me family!
Also, many from Grace have asked if I will keep on blogging and the answer is yes. I am still "En Route" in this life and until the Lord calls me home I will seek to express myself through thoughts on this blog. So many thanks for reading and may many of you continue to be encouraged through reading my thoughts on life as a Christ follower!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Transitions and Faith
"And without faith it is impossible to please God..." (Hebrews 11:6)
"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8)
It is well known that my family and I are in the process of a large transition to Ottawa, ON. We are very excited about this transition in that we truly believe within our hearts that we have been called by God to go to this place.
But, there have been days whereby we have felt the pressure of such a change as there are many unknowns yet to be answered which can lead to stress (especially in those of us who like every single duck in a row). In light of the pressures, I have found myself continually returning to Hebrews 11 and 12 to remind myself that this journey is not one of "every duck being neatly in a row" but rather an incredible journey of faith whereby I am left with no choice but to trust God to provide and work things out.
I am encouraged by the story of Abraham as he walked and lived an incredible journey of faith. I am also encouraged that he was considered a man of faith even though he too had his moments of doubt whereby God had to grow Him. Life is not always easy and transitions can and will stretch us. But, when we walk in the will and promises of God, you realize afresh and anew that there is no other way to walk but the walk of faith.
I am still striving to get all of my ducks in a row for this transition as I do believe we have to do our part with the minds and bodies God has given us but I continue to ask God to help me walk by faith in the things I can't control for this I know pleases Him.
So, whatever transition you may find yourself in today, walk in His will by faith for this will please our Heavenly Father and grow you immensely.
"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8)
It is well known that my family and I are in the process of a large transition to Ottawa, ON. We are very excited about this transition in that we truly believe within our hearts that we have been called by God to go to this place.
But, there have been days whereby we have felt the pressure of such a change as there are many unknowns yet to be answered which can lead to stress (especially in those of us who like every single duck in a row). In light of the pressures, I have found myself continually returning to Hebrews 11 and 12 to remind myself that this journey is not one of "every duck being neatly in a row" but rather an incredible journey of faith whereby I am left with no choice but to trust God to provide and work things out.
I am encouraged by the story of Abraham as he walked and lived an incredible journey of faith. I am also encouraged that he was considered a man of faith even though he too had his moments of doubt whereby God had to grow Him. Life is not always easy and transitions can and will stretch us. But, when we walk in the will and promises of God, you realize afresh and anew that there is no other way to walk but the walk of faith.
I am still striving to get all of my ducks in a row for this transition as I do believe we have to do our part with the minds and bodies God has given us but I continue to ask God to help me walk by faith in the things I can't control for this I know pleases Him.
So, whatever transition you may find yourself in today, walk in His will by faith for this will please our Heavenly Father and grow you immensely.
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