A little more than a year ago, as the pandemic and its chaos became real, we suggested asking three important questions:
Lord, what are you saying?
Lord, what are you doing?
Lord, what are you after?
Those questions are still quite appropriate and profitable for our conversations with God. The article went on to suggest several Bible passages to aide in the search for God’s purpose in the chaos that has now indelibly marked the beginning of this decade.
What a difference a year makes!! Our sovereign God allowed the pandemic chaos to become an outright storm and though it has subsided here in the United States, it rages on in other areas of the world – areas where our Christian brethren are suffering mightily. Here, the pandemic continues to threaten us like a hurricane that has left our shores, but may come back in some evil variant form.
Remember, in all of this, our God is sovereign. What has He been saying to you?
As if the pandemic wasn’t enough chaos and storm to get our attention, God has allowed economic, political, and social storms to threaten our standard of living, our democratic republic, and the futures of our children and grandchildren. What is God doing? What is He after?
Please understand, I am not writing to depress you, stress you out, or elevate your blood pressure. This message is about kingdom opportunity. God works all things to the good of those who love Him and are called to His purpose (Romans 8:28). What Satan intends for evil, God is very capable of turning to our good and His glory.
So, with God’s goodness, faithfulness, and glory in mind, consider these additional questions:
Is God involved? In my humble opinion, the obvious answer is “Yes!”. However, the question is important to ask if only to hear ourselves answer in the affirmative. We need to be reminded, and we need to remind others.
What is He doing – in regards to the church? It is time we asked this question reflectively. God has allowed the storms to impact the American church in dramatic fashion. Some houses have fallen; others are in danger of the same. What’s up with that? Is God intentionally thinning the ranks? Is He judging us? Moving forward will be nearly impossible without an honest assessment. Find the answer for yourself and your spheres of influence.
How should we respond? There are a few obvious answers (e.g., repent, pray, read our Bibles more), but let’s not confuse obvious for easy. Sometimes we treat the answer as the solution. Having the answer doesn’t change anything. Repentance is a process, beginning with the way we think. Prayer and Bible study are disciplines; more means more. So…
Specifically, what are you being led to do in response to what you believe God is doing? God has put a desire in your heart for this storming, chaotic season. Read Psalm 37:4-5 understanding that the Hebraic meaning behind “rejoice” is “to be soft” – like clay. Commit your way to Him and trust Him to bring the desire of your heart to pass. He will direct your steps into His purpose and work.
In conclusion, I offer you this word of warning and encouragement: Our natural tendency will be to do as little as possible to feel good about ourselves and our relationship with God. Beware, this is a tactic of our carnal mind – deception and distraction.
Instead, imagine throwing off self-protective restraint and offering God your “whatever”. Just imagine what He might do in and through you. Just imagine what Psalm 37:6 might look like for you and those you love:
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
Don’t be surprised if, even in the safety of your imagination, He directs you to the desire of your heart – the desire He put there for this season of chaos and storms. That desire will lead and carry you through transformation to the good work He created for you to walk in (Ephesians 2:10).
Good work is God’s work, and He will be glorified in it. Think about that. You will experience the glorifying work of God! Could that be what Jesus had in mind when He promised:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14
This is the desire of our heart: that you would discover joyful, Spirit-filled ministry. Please let us know how we can help you navigate the chaos and strengthen your house for the storms.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob
#iamjustthepen
Updates and Prayer Requests
The manuscript for The Storms Have Only Just Begun has been completed and delivered to a literary agent, hoping they will represent the book to the larger Christian publishing companies. This is a new approach for us. If successful, it should ensure The Storms Have Only Just Begun impacts the broadest possible audience. This, our fourth book, encourages and enables Christians to inspect and restore their houses, navigate the chaos of the 2020s, and help others do the same. Please pray for favor with the agent and the publishing houses they contact.
The new inLight Consulting website has gone live. Please check it out and let us know what you think. We believe it will be a more effective tool in our mission to encourage, edify, and equip leaders in the workplace to make disciples and transform their spheres of influence. We hope to invest $10,000 into the website work and other ministry retooling. Please pray for these funds.
The relaunch strategy our core mission – helping Christian leaders find joyful, Spirit-filled ministry – has come into focus. We are working out the details now and hope to make an announcement soon. We covet your prayers for grace and courage to hear God’s perfect plan and pursue it with passion.
My heart continues to ache for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Please pray with me for their encouragement, protection, and faithfulness in the face of severe trial and tribulation. From my reading, I understand they are also praying for us.
Continue to pray for the workplace leaders you know – for their transformation into mighty men and women of God; that they would boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let me know how I can help you minister to them (we have tons of resources for you to share).
Partnering with inLight Consulting
God’s purpose for inLight Consulting is beyond human capability. We are desperately dependent on Him; and would have it no other way. We are grateful for the continued support of those that trust God to use this ministry to further His kingdom. Please pray for our vision and mission.
Share the truths you find here with the leaders in your life; it will make them free.
God bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; and may He give you the grace and courage to walk in the work He has prepared for you.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob