I am privileged to serve as Pastor of Women's Ministry at Central Christian Church.  Helping people connect and grow toward becoming more like Jesus puts a smile on my face.  One of the things I remind the women about is this:  "Love ... Read More

June 8th, 2009

Does uncertainty breed fear and procrastination?   As leaders, there will be times we will be uncertain, maybe even about the people God places in our lives to shepherd.  In our uncertainty, we will be tempted to procrastinate in reaction to the fear of the unknown because we as humans have limited vision.

This was the case when God gave the prophet Haggai the directive to encourage the people of Jerusalem to build the second temple.  They didn’t believe the time was right because they thought if the second temple couldn’t be as grand as the first one, it just wouldn’t do.  And what about the economy?  Read the rest of chapter one in Haggai and you’ll have the answer.  Why do we always think we can see things more clearly than God?  Reminds me of a time I didn’t think I’d ever serve with another team as great as the one I came from or that a move shouldn't come at a time when our son, Jordan, was beginning his Junior year in high school requiring a great sacrifice from him as well as my husband to make a move from the Midwest life of comfort to Vegas.   Shame on me for putting God in a box!

Haggai 2:1-9 reminds us of God’s promises when we go with God’s timing:  When God says, “Get to work!  For I am with you,” we are promised that God will see us through the task He has given us, but that it’s not going to be accomplished by waiting for what we think is the right timing.  Haggai is aware there will be times of discouragement in a time of rebuilding but in many ways like a good shepherd, he brings words of encouragement so that the people will continue to build for God’s glory.

As leaders, remember that people are in the process of rebuilding their lives in the Kingdom of God.  It is hard work for each one of them.  Keep encouraging them even when you have to climb into the hills with them and cut some timber.  Don’t be afraid of getting lost in the woods but instead mark your trail and your Small Group with a strong foundation.  Give fear its right place in reverence to God, but do not be timid about leading those you shepherd toward the promise of peace and greater glory for God.  "Get to work" and “put into action” what God has ordained you to do as a leader.

 

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