I made a big decision this week. After over 11 years of compiling and writing our church’s weekly prayer guide, I’m giving it up. This may not seem like a “big” decision to some people, but it was to me. Since the Watchman Prayer Guide has been an important part of my life for a long time now — and I believe the life of our church as well — it was not a decision I made lightly.
A little over a year ago, I began wondering if I should continue doing the Watchman. I felt restless where it was concerned, and I knew that a certain restlessness many times precedes a move or a change of some sort. I had a desire to spend more time on my other writing projects but didn’t want to step out of this ministry role if that was not God’s will. After all, He was the one who called me to do it.
I began praying, asking God to show me if was time to give up this responsibility. In answer to those prayers, two different times this past year when I was at a point of decision, He showed me that it was NOT time. He wanted me to continue to serve in this role.
This past week a situation arose, however, that caused me to go to God again for His direction concerning the Watchman. His message to me this time? It’s time to move on. In fact, just hours after asking Him to show me His will, I just “happened” to read something that Beth Moore, a Bible teacher I greatly admire, just “happened” to post on her blog that morning. It was all about moving :) Moving on, transitions, etc. In fact, in capital letters at one point, she said “MOVE OVER”! More than coincidental, huh? I knew I had God’s answer.
I’m not sure why now is the time to make the move, but I am trusting God and His timing. It may be a simple matter of allowing me more time for other writing projects or just giving me one less weekly responsibility, but it could also be that I’m about to enter into a new season of increased demand in some other area — something I can’t see yet but that He can.
Is God directing you to make a move of some sort? Follow His lead. You won’t be sorry. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
*Flickr photo by Matt Seppings, Creative Commons License
*Any good “moving” stories out there? I would love to hear about some moves that God has led (or is leading) you to make. Share with us in comments, please. Maybe your story will be the one that helps someone else!
**Also, don’t forget to sign up for the Just In Time Giveaway. Scroll down a few posts to find it. C’mon and give it a shot — you might win!
Cheryl,
You actually birthed the Watchman Nee Prayer guide didn’t you? I know it will be hard for you to give it up. What a great blessing it has been to you and others.
I appreciated your comments alot. Keith and I have been praying about our involvement in a church plant our assoc. pastor is starting. We actually went to a meeting Sat. night to meet with the core group and was introduced this AM at church as being on the team planting the church. The church plant would be in Maricopa which is 30 miles from our house. At this point we are not planning on moving there unless God really makes it clear that’s what he wants us to do. That idea actually scares me to death for a variety of reasons. We can talk more about it in May. One of the challenges I am facing right now is feeling at times too comfortable in my Christian walk and this will definitely be taking me out of my comfort zone.
Debbie, so glad this post was helpful to you — and thanks for sharing about the move you guys are being called upon to make. I’ll be looking forward to hearing more about it. They couldn’t ask for a better couple than you guys to be on their team! :)
And yes, I had a part in birthing the Watchman Prayer Guide. Our pastor asked if I would do it, told me what he envisioned for it, and then I typed up the first one on my old typewriter (didn’t have a computer at that time). And you’re right, it has been a great blessing to me. I’ve watched God faithfully provide with the material for the devotion week after week (most of them I quoted from others’ writings), I’ve heard people comment on how a particular devotion really ministered to them, and it’s been a real blessing to be used by God and see prayers answered. I’ve also been blessed by the help of my faithful substitutes, Janet and Amy. Practically speaking, it has helped develop my writing skills — writing for a deadline each week and writing and revising sentences to fit in the allowed space, etc. Yes, it’s been a blessing, and I thank God for it.
Aneb. I’ve been actively serving in ministry for more than 30 years. There have been several time that God has nudged, then pushed, then shoved me to make me “move over”. And He alwasy has something new and exciting for me to do in that move. BTW – He always replaces me by giving someone else the exciting opportunity to take over where I left off, too.
Blessings, Cheryl.
Jean
My Conversations with God at http://www.jeanmatthewhall.blogspot.com
Jean, thanks for pointing out the opportunity our leaving a position often gives someone else. It’s exciting to see how God works, isn’t it?
I love the way God works. He loves us so much, doesn’t He?!