It’s been awhile since I wrote a blog post.  A lot has transpired in the 7 months since I last shared the details of this incredible life adventure I’m on with God.   Many of the details of my adventure over the last seven months aren’t worth sharing, many are, but rather than have some long post giving highlights, I’ll share just one.  Ready?  here goes . . .

If it’s been awhile, change something.

It’s been awhile since I wrote a blog post.  The pause isn’t so much a result of being too busy, or losing interest, it’s simply a result of changing something.  What was that change?  It was a change that God originated in my heart last winter, it was a change that came as a result of a few days spent hundreds of miles away from home, in an old familiar place, asking God to give me clarity regarding His vision for my future.   While on that trip, God did what he always does when we ask of him, He answered.  He answered my request by renewing in me a simple desire, the desire to once again regularly communicate His life changing truth, to His church, through the foolishness of preaching. 

It had been awhile since I had been in a pulpit, I had opportunities several times in the Summer of 2009, but circumstances of life and a still hurting spirit had led me to pause, to wait, to answer no.  But just like an old guitar calls a musician from its dust covered case, the call of God on my life to share His Word publicly kept beckoning.  Last winter I was happy, life was good, and I was experiencing God’s blessings, the greatest of which was a healing in my Spirit after a prolonged season of difficulty in life.  Things were good, but it had been awhile, and God was stirring.

So once again I asked, this time with specificity “God, give me the chance to communicate your truth to your church ten times in 2010″.   After a few weeks of faithfully making that ask, God did what He always does, he answered.  This time with an email, no not from God directly, but from a man some two thousand miles away who was serving his church as interim Pastor.  He asked if I would want to preach at his church in February, I said yes.  That yes, led to a series of asks that resulted in a series of more yes’s and eventually the opportunity to serve with the Elders and staff of Sunridge Community Church as lead pastor.

Last winter I was on a pause, I was in a season of rest, a God directed, much needed and graciously given season of rest.  When it came to preaching, it had been awhile, but God stirred and faithfully led me towards the next leg of my journey with Him.   A simple prayer for ten times in 2010 has led to a new church family in a new community and a chance to once again regularly offer back to Him the gift of communication that He has given to me.

How has God gifted you?  What season are you in?  If it’s been awhile, is He stirring?

If it’s been awhile, change something.  What’s your ask for the remainder of 2010?  You may not need to get away to an old familiar place for a few days, or you may, but whatever you need to do – get clarity from God, then faithfully ask Him to answer.  And when He does, dust of the guitar and play. 

God is good, and I am grateful.

Josh,