The last time I was studying the book of Hebrews was about 2007. In that study the Lord used Hebrews 5:4 to start a breakthrough in our lives and ministry. I won’t share all of the details, but my wife and I have had a lot of ministry experience and training. Yet from 1992 through 2007 it felt like we were sitting on the sidelines struggling to get into the game. I had ended up back in industry and my wife was teaching. We had been through the process of candidating at three churches but those did not work out.
It seemed like everything we tried was blocked.
Then Hebrews 5:4, "…no one takes the honor to himself but receives it when he is called by God…" It was as if the Lord was speaking directly to me. "Mike, you are trying to force your way back into 'ministry.' Stop. Rest in what I have you doing." I shared my thoughts with our small group. They affirmed that I was on the right track. Quit fighting. So I did.
Within a month I was asked by our church to lead the Sunday school teachers through preparation for a church wide series on spiritual gifts. That is a big deal because of where we live. A major hot topic. That March my wife and I went with our youngest son on a mission trip to Trinidad and Tobago, the first of 5 trips to that nation for me.
In June I went back with Gary and Leigh Barkalow and one of their friends. Gary and I led a Wild at Heart Boot Camp for 23 Trini men. Leigh and her friend prayed for us. Then the gates opened.
I worked through Hebrews 5 this afternoon and there is more that I want to share on this. The first part of this chapter, gives some fairly significant instruction to those in or contemplating leadership in the Body. I will begin to unwrap that tomorrow and we will see how long it takes.
Then Hebrews 5:4, "…no one takes the honor to himself but receives it when he is called by God…" It was as if the Lord was speaking directly to me. "Mike, you are trying to force your way back into 'ministry.' Stop. Rest in what I have you doing." I shared my thoughts with our small group. They affirmed that I was on the right track. Quit fighting. So I did.
Within a month I was asked by our church to lead the Sunday school teachers through preparation for a church wide series on spiritual gifts. That is a big deal because of where we live. A major hot topic. That March my wife and I went with our youngest son on a mission trip to Trinidad and Tobago, the first of 5 trips to that nation for me.
In June I went back with Gary and Leigh Barkalow and one of their friends. Gary and I led a Wild at Heart Boot Camp for 23 Trini men. Leigh and her friend prayed for us. Then the gates opened.
I worked through Hebrews 5 this afternoon and there is more that I want to share on this. The first part of this chapter, gives some fairly significant instruction to those in or contemplating leadership in the Body. I will begin to unwrap that tomorrow and we will see how long it takes.
I can certainly relate to what you shared, Mike, about desire to pass forward to others what I learned. Often feeling itchy. :)
ReplyDeleteI also like to paraphrase the verse God draws my attention to in a personal way, as if He speaks to me using my name.
When asked to do this or that I first bring the opportunity before the Lord. Often it turns out as invitation from men, not God, and then I have freedom to say 'no'.
Looking forward to unpack the following verses together with you.