“The confusion of the desert and desolation reveals that God’s work does not depend on our savvy or sophistication. As with Moses . . . the Lord is showing us that he is calling us into weakness to reveal his power. The Lord is teaching us to abide and to trust. And, as always, the Lord is showing us what is in our hearts.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe
Today Kyle Strobel and John Coe conclude the fourth path that specifically addresses vocational ministry.
Path 4 (cont.): To those in ministry. Kyle and John underscore that the first lesson in this season involves honesty. As a result, the authors encourage those in ministry to commit to honestly wrestling with the Lord. To seek him in the midst of their struggle.
But, Kyle and John counsel, this means you must cultivate a certain watchfulness of heart. Because, for many, the only time these struggles show up in prayer is when they ask the Lord to make them go away. Instead, be open to the truth in your heart and present yourself to the Lord.
Finally, the authors stress, to walk this path inevitably requires that you walk alongside others. Hence, the second step or lesson centers on starting up a conversation about the ways you struggle. Because when you name your temptations, struggles, and failures, people immediately start sharing, desperate for guidance.
Thus, Kyle and John exhort:
“Journeying with the Lord in ministry can be difficult, and many have found it easier to just stop journeying with him. It proves easier to just focus on doing good work. The Lord calls us to more. Pause and consider with him what it would look like to present yourself to him in the truth and trust that he is enough for you.”
Today’s question: How do you navigate the confusion of the desert and desolation? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Talking to myself v. talking with God”