Thursday, November 29, 2007

Planning Session

When I was in college I vividly remember the time that God called me to the ministry. Did I know what His plans were? No. I just thought He probably wanted to take me to some far off place as a missionary. And in a silly memory- I remember thinking that I would be afraid to go to far into the outback because I was a glass and contact lens wearer. I remember thinking, What if I lost my glasses and could not see and I got lost. I guess I figured He could get me there but would not be able to keep me safely there.

Now all these years later I realize that I have been living a life of preparation. God's plan was not to send me to live among the cannibals. I am still not really sure what that plan is. But for now I know my ministry is in my own home. Learning to be a merciful, humble servant to the people He brought into my life. Learning to love in deed and not just in word. There are times when I feel like I have been put upon. I didn't ask for this. But maybe I did.

When I finally realized I could not run from the call on my life-I asked God to do what He needed to do to get me ready. Now the events in my life start to take on a reason. And when He thinks His tool is primed and ready-He'll send me out. Out where? Don't know. But I do know that wherever He sends me--He will have prepared me.

And those ramblings are some thoughts after reading this mornings devotions.

A Heavenly Strategic Planning Session
TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

And the Lord said, "Who will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?" One suggested this, and another that. - 1 Kings 22:20

There are few times we get a glimpse of what goes on in Heaven. Here is one instance when the angels were conferring with the Lord about the judgment of King Ahab for his sin and who was going to set up Ahab for this judgment.

If God wanted to use you to impact your world for Jesus Christ, what circumstances would have to be created in order for you to respond to His call? Would prospering you materially encourage you to this end? Would a major change in what you are presently doing be necessary? What would your response be should God and the angels conclude that the only way to move you into a position of fulfilling God's purposes was to remove some things that might be very dear to you? Would you agree with their plan if you knew this would be the only way you would achieve the purposes for which God made you? Hard questions, aren't they?

This is the very thing God does in many who have been called for a special mission. Moses had to be stripped of his royal position in the family of Egypt and sit in the desert for 40 years. The apostle Paul had to be knocked to the ground, blinded, and receive a personal visitation from Jesus. The 12 disciples had to leave their jobs for three years to follow Christ. Imagine what kind of disruption this had on their lives. There are many examples of God bringing major upheaval in the lives of those He called for His purposes. Why?

........................
Would you be willing to sit in the strategic planning session for your life and agree with the plans God has for your life? Could you give God complete freedom to implement that plan, no matter the cost? Ask God to give you the grace and trust in His love for you to say "yes."
I just have to say how cool it would be to sit in on one of those planning sessions. Can you imagine looking at the face of God as He lays out the events of your life?
Somehow it would seem that life would be a tad easier if I heard from the mouth of God that He was orchestrating certain events. Events that were there to train and equip me.
God---"Now let us have her clean poop off the toilet- so that what will come her way in the future will not seem quite as disgusting."
Me--"Ahhhhhh--now I understand"
\o/ Thank ya Jesus for the poop.

12 comments:

Rebecca said...

oh, my....
And I go out of my way to avoid the poop...
Maybe I am avoiding God's molding...I supposed to be like playdough...moldable...not all dried up and crumbly...
Thanks for another though provoking post. (even though I'd rather not dwell on poop...*giggles*)

Becca

Anonymous said...

I think we're to live every day for Him as though we are on a mission because we are. The Great Commission. I just don't think we're always mindful of that. Do you?

Anonymous said...

I've met so many people who are waiting for their 'mission' -- and somehow so many expect it to be something amazing! Some are called to amazing things (outwardly amazing, I mean) and some are called to things that aren't overly noticeable-- unless they are not done!!! Such is being a 'keeper of the home'!! Don't take your 'mission' for granted -- it is probably the most important mission. What an opportunity -- poop and all! D

Delete said...

OK, I would love to be in on my planning meeting! And boy did you hit it out of the ballpark when you said that you are "learning to be a merciful, humble servant to the people He brought into your life". To serve gracefully when it seems like I am the only one working around here is a HUGE challenge for me. Thanks for the really insightful post!

Jenny

MelanieJoy said...

Okay, you got me. I actually deleted this email devo this morning...(clearing throat) without reading it. I'm so glad you posted it (I think) because it stepped all over my toes. Here's the part you know got me "What would your response be should God and the angels conclude that the only way to move you into a position of fulfilling God's purposes was to remove some things that might be very dear to you? Would you agree with their plan if you knew this would be the only way you would achieve the purposes for which God made you?" I'm so there right now and He is waiting on me to agree.
In Jer. 29:11 no matter which translation you read it from the words plans/thoughts- they are plural. That just hit me one day.
That He has not just a plan but plans for us. Maybe different missions or services at different seasons in our lives.
I've seen some already and now I know He's moving me to a new stage and I'm having to give up some precious things for this one. It's making it tough but the blessing will come.
Love you my friend, your prayer and support.

Unknown said...

I love this post.
Huuuummmm, I think sitting in on those sessions would be counter productive for me. I would be trying to help the big guy out!

...Maybe if I took this path instead I could get to the goal quicker, right? What do you think God, don't you agree with me...

Let me just keep walking my path and try to do it as Godly as possible! itry to exemplify Christ daily, and some days are harder that others, but I keep walking...

Blessing

AK said...

I actually kind of got to be in on one of those "planning sessions". I could see where my world was going before it fell apart and let me just tell you it was not a fun time at all. BUT I'm totally up for following where God led me too and I'm sooo greatful that He did intervene in that way.

As for the poop, after changing 20 diapers (just today) I've gotta say that if thats got anything to do with preparing me for my future ministry then I'm so not up for it LOL

Connie Barris said...

If God wanted to use you to impact your world for Jesus Christ, what circumstances would have to be created in order for you to respond to His call?

wow.. what a question... really makes me think...

thank you for this powerful post...

I hope you have a supernatural day..

love ya
Connie

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and ministering to us out here in "cyber land".

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

I hear ya! Oh I hear ya!!!

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

I hear ya! Oh I hear ya!!!

Denise said...

I have missed you, love you sis.