2:50 – Whom Shall I send?

#faithbites #faithjourney send

Leaders help us find our way. They create a shared vision and help us all down the road together. Sometimes we select good leaders, others times we put people in leadership positions who shouldn’t be there. Still in other times, the right leader isn’t chosen at this time, but maybe a time down the road.

Our church has been searching for a Senior Pastor for a while. Two men were brought forward to the congregation for a divine call. After much debate and prayer, a man was selected. This was the will of some but others thought the other man was a better choice. We just found out the first man declined the call.

It’s easy to think that we voted poorly or that we made a mistake. After much discussion, I believe that this is the will of God. He had us go through this process to reaffirm the first pastor’s commitment to his home congregation. To give them additional strength. At the same time, we are stronger by going through this process. Maybe the second man will become our Senior Pastor, maybe not. But through this, we are learning that God will send us to serve when and where he wants. Many times he says “Yes, I will Send You….but not at this time”.

Scripture

• Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8
• “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding. – Daniel 2:21
• Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, – 1 Peter 2:13

Reflection

The Isaiah verse is usually used to help prompt people to service. To show that when God calls, we answer. In this case, I’m using it to show that we may say send me for something that God isn’t quite ready for us to do yet. It can be disheartening, depressing, and cause much soul searching. We want to do what we want when we want it as we are able, but the Lord has other plans. The Daniel and 1 Peter verses, show us that we are always under God’s plan and direction as he appoints our leaders and all authority is driven from him.

What does this mean to us? Our church will continue searching for her next senior pastor. The journey may be difficult but God will direct us and help us in that path.

What does this mean to everyone? We may want to serve in a leadership position and feel we are the best to serve. But God may tell us, not quite yet. Just be patience, for I have plans for you.

Charge

Are you looking for a promotion, a new role, an elected office, or some other form of leadership or advancement? Rest assured if you do not get it, it’s not the universe against you. It is God saying that he will send you, but not right now or not in this way. Take solace in knowing you are not alone and God’s plan will be revealed over time.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help Trinity Lutheran in her continued season of change. Give us the strength and knowledge to understand your will as we issue a divine call for our next senior pastor. Help all us know that when we are passed up for an opportunity or are not given the role we want, that it isn’t a negative thing. It is you tell us you will send us, but not right now. Remind us that your plan will be revealed over time. In your heavenly name, Amen.