What in the world is God doing?

Today is another day in our journey of transition. Early in March I withdrew my name from consideration to continue as District Superintendent of the Kansas District of the Wesleyan Church. I sensed a clear leading of God that it was time for a change. Sharron and I love our close friends and ministry partners in Kansas. There are many good memories established in our hearts and minds. Concluding six years of ministry in Kansas brought a time of decision. At that time my heart yearned to return to my family ties in North Carolina. My six years in Kansas brought forth a fruitful ministry and I feel God is pleased with our service there. Several personal times of heartache accompanied our time there. The death of my closest and best friend - Larry Ford - as he succumbed to cancer took place within hours of me beginning this time of service in Kansas. The void left in my heart was deep.

God granted a new friend - Pastor Rich McLean - to meet the immediate need for close friendship and comrade. With the unexpected death of Pastor Rich I wondered if I could continue in ministry in Kansas. Within nine months my mother passed away and I discovered a deep desire to return to North Carolina.


Our precious daughters, Danielle and Stephanie (along with our son-in-law Josh) had all followed the call back to Charlotte, NC. On March 1, 2007 - everything changed! The birth of our first grandchild - Alyse Nicole - pretty well sealed the deal. All it took was a slight tug - and I began this journey. It feels like taking a GIANT step of faith - off the cliff - with no safety net in sight.


You ask - "Why would you just abandon your job and security without a prospect of employment?" Well - a picture is better than words. Please note the smile on my face as I hold my tiny granddaughter Alyse on her 3 month birthday.


I thought God was clearly opening a door of opportunity - only to see it close. Then the cycle repeated itself - again - and - again. At this point my resume is under consideration at two opportunities in North Carolina - and today a call from a Wesleyan DS created a possible open door at a great church searching for a new
pastor. This church is ten hours away from Charlotte. I am on my knees and asking God for the direction I need. I seek the favor of God as never before. I want to be found in the very center of God's will! Today, I pray for God's desire - not mine - to rule the direction of my life and ministry. My heart was greatly blessed today when I received an email for an unlikely source as a person I did not have on my prayer list contacted Sharron and me to let us know we were being prayed for. It brought tears to my wife's eyes.



I want to be very careful as I linger in "God's waiting room". I am reminded of the doctors telling Stephanie that Alyse would be born in mid-February. Each week they indicated it was "any time now". Alyse did not arrive until late evening on March 1. I know that God is NEVER late - yet seldom early. God's timing is not mine - I must wait upon the Lord. In my heart I ask: "What in the world is God doing?" My trust is in Him. The verse that has encouraged me often - a favorite of my daughter Stephanie:


Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8

I look forward to reading your comments.