Friday, September 2, 2011

Being Comfortable

I'm enjoying Mark Batterson's book, Wild Goose Chase. If you haven't read it, I would recommend you read it with an open heart and mind. I appreciate his personal illustrations because they mirror many the experiences and decisions that opened up our lives to receive a missionary calling and eventually brought us to Peru. It has been 16 years since this happened. We had become comfortable in our previous ministry setting. There was nothing pushing us to leave the District Office. No one asked us to leave Nebraska. But it was what God wanted. The Lord had an adventure for us. Obedience, not comfort, was what He wanted from us. The journey would be full of risk. There would be good days and bad days. There would exciting times and scary times. We would have to make sacrifices. However, it would be worth it. It has been worth it.

Are we comfortable again? Even though we "chased" after the leading of the Holy Spirit 16 years ago, it doesn't mean we are still "tuned in" to His will and ready to take on the next adventure. I think it is a question we all must answer many times in our lives, but especially those of us who have received a vocational call to ministry. Am I comfortable?

This year I have tried to intentionally reopen my life to God-directed change. It hasn't been easy. At times it has been painful. I like comfort. I like order. I like predictability. The Lord doesn't seem to understand the importance of these priorities.

We are experiencing staff changes at the church. Our youth pastor is leaving after 7 years at El Oasis. We are now working with lay leaders. The youth ministry will look different. Another couple is coming in October to help with other areas that need attention. It will be interesting to see how they mesh with the El Oasis family and the vision God has given us. We are starting a small group ministry to try and reach more of the unsaved. The arrival of new people will cause us to rethink how we "do church."

All of this is happening as we begin to prepare ourselves for itineration in June 2012. While I don't understand it all, I'm learning to accept God's perfect timing. I'm running to stay one step ahead of the changes and one step behind the Holy Spirit. It is exciting. It is challenging. It is what He wants. My prayer is that we never become too comfortable to "chase the wild goose."

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Kerri!
I pray that you had a great day in the LORD, and that all may go well with you.
I pray that you may enjoy good health, and that our LORD will continue to shine His favor on you in all that you do for Him!!!