So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. – 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Three and half times or 1,955 steps around my Mason subdivision to equal one mile, the distance I walked every day for exercise. Many topics go through your mind when you’re “stepping” . . . don’t forget to gather the trash tonight . . . remember to answer that email in THIS way . . . add Magic Eraser to the grocery list. But beginning in March, my mind was engaged not with “stuff,” but with seeking the Lord as never before. 1,955 steps were not enough! It was at this time I began praying (aloud) specifically for the Lord’s direction for the Senior Pastor position at Christ Church. Intense “prayer stepping” for the Lord’s direction seems like yesterday and yet, so long ago with so many ways the Lord has assembled this puzzle from March until now. When I began praying and brainstorming plans, I had no idea that the Lord would direct my steps to what would happen this Sunday, October 19 at 5 PM . . . my pastoral installation at Christ Church AA! Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of a man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes his steps” guided my “prayer stepping” during this time. I discovered the tremendous freedom we have in making OUR plans (whatever they might be) but in the end, holding them with open hands to the Lord who establishes or directs our steps. Who knows how many actual steps I took, but behind each of those steps, was the Lord’s providential guidance for me and Christ Church!
