So Thankful Jesus Didn't Respond Like We Do

I was reading today about the night before Jesus was killed in Matthew 26. I was simply amazed at what took place but even more surprised at what didn't happen. What happened was Jesus expressed His desire not to die. No real big surprise there. Can you blame Him. I don't know who really looks forward to a painful death on the cross like Jesus knew was coming. But what Jesus did was He submitted His will to the will of His Father. Amazing. Jesus didn't take a poll of the disciples and see what they wanted. He didn't go and feed 5,000 more people and then ask them what they wanted Him to do. Jesus didn't start a campaign to get His wishes done either. Jesus simply went and spent time alone with His Father and learned His wishes. He surrendered any possible pleasure for what was more important...the Father's will. I am so thankful He did it the way that He did. I hope that I can live and lead like Jesus. I hope that I don't try and accomplish my will and my wishes, but instead I can accomplish God's will in my life and His desires alone for me.

Bumps in the Road

I was reminded this week how easy it is to get "knocked" off course. So many times we are waiting for the big "bumps" in the road to divert us from where we are supposed to be heading, when in reality it is often the little bumps that make the biggest difference. I often wonder why God has called me to be a pastor and why He would call me to Grand Haven? I know why, but I still ask the question on a regular basis. Why? Not why am I a pastor or why I am in Grand Haven, but why do I ask why? I realize that though the questions can be good, they can also be the most dangerous things to ask. They are often the little bumps along the course that simply divert me from where I am supposed to be heading and the course that I am to take to get there. I am certain that I will still ask the questions, but I am also certain that I won't stay consumed with the questions as long as I have in the past and will instead press into the future that I am certain God has for me and Hope in Grand Haven. Better days are ahead. Questions will be asked, but the course must stay steady.