40 Days
My summer of study was rewarding in so many ways. A sincere study of prayer cannot help but bring you closer to God. It cannot help but remind you how important it is to talk to Him all day, every day. I was also reminded to talk to Him about everything...to praise Him, to thank Him, to confess to Him, to inquire of Him, to request of Him.It was also wonderful to rekindle my love of teaching the Word. When I preach on assigned topics, there is some benefit. But when I teach about my own personal study, study that is based on where I am in my (intentional) walk, study that comes from my own questions, I am filled with a passion and a love in my teaching that doesn't otherwise come. My favorite moments during the summer were the ones spent teaching. It helps that I was teaching a class on Sunday mornings full of people whom I have dearly loved for a long time, people who have laid their own personal foundation of study and prayer. And on Wednesday nights it felt very much like an elective class...the only people who came (and there were plenty) were those who wanted to discuss and delve into the topic.
There were frustrations, but I learned from them as well. I learned that I have been very flexible in my ministry for many years. I have made too many compromises to accomodate the inflexibility of others and, at times, my service has suffered as a result. I learned that I am sometimes too quick to say "yes" and almost always too slow to say "no." It's all too common in the church to serve with the best of intentions, but at the expense of other ministries. It helps to recognize this so that we can all serve in step with each other.
In an effort to keep my service in step with the service of others and, most importantly, in step with what God would have me do, I am in the midst of 40 days of prayer. During this time, I won't be preaching, teaching, or leading the church in any way. I will be deep in study and deeper in prayer. I will be having many conversations with many trusted brothers and sisters. I will be seeking God's will for me...God's role for me. I may come to the end and find myself squarely back where I started. And I may find myself someplace new. It's scary, but God never promised that it wouldn't be.
I have shared this with a few people and asked for their prayers. Now I ask for yours. This is a time of renewal, discovery, and rededication. It is not a vacation. Some have thought that I am taking time off and praying during that time. Actually, I'm praying and searching in such a way that I must have the time and distance necessary to do so. On October 1, my 40 days are up. I may have a very clear answer by then, I may not. Either way, I will be sharing here what I have learned. I am sincerely grateful in advance for being lifted up.
posted by Thurman8er @ 7:38 AM
4 Comments:
Your commitment to God and His Word is contagious. There are times that we are so busy with "church" that we really need to do what you're doing and as you said, it isn't time off but time redirected.
You and the outcome of your 40 days are in my prayers.
Excellent use of your time my brother. I always laugh when people equate sabbatical with vacation.
God's blessings on you, Steve. I saw your comment on England's blog abut elders. Wade Hoges shared with his blog the process they used at Garnett for selecting elders. Maybe you'd like to see it. It can be found at:
www.wadehodges.com
Scroll down to shepherd selection process.
Peace.
Well my comment to your more recent blog was very long, so I will keep this one short. I enjoyed being in your summer studies and thank God for the message He gave me through you. Thanks!
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