Some of you may have heard that I lost my position at Victory International Fellowship. This will be the second time that I’ve left the staff. Previously, I’d worked at the church from 1996 through most of 2008 and resigned to start Sanctuary Church of the Lake Country.
I wanted Sanctuary to get established in Hartland and make a big impact but I didn’t succeed. By the middle of 2013, I had to make some changes, and that’s when Pastor Rory offered me the associate pastor spot at VIF. So I returned to the Brookfield church. Rejoining the staff on a part-time basis, I was to advance to full-time as soon as it became feasible. It never did.
Given the diminishing size of the congregation, the budget had to be trimmed, and it was decided that the church could no longer afford my position. I was told in October that my job would last through the end of the year.
While this was happening, I’d also been working for West Coast Bible College and Seminary. God knew about the pastoral role wrapping up, so He blessed me by expanding my duties and salary at the college. I’ll now concentrate my efforts full-time to training people for the ministry.
My emotions are split; I feel like there’s two of me.
It hurts to disconnect from Christians I’ve loved and worked with, yet I’m jazzed about the potential of West Coast to prepare disciples all over the world to serve Jesus. I can’t wait to teach pastors and church leaders online and in conferences, but I feel disappointed that I didn’t accomplish all that I desired at VIF.
Should I look back or press ahead? The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If I strain toward the future, He’s already there. If I look back, He’s there, too. So maybe He can handle my waffling!
What about you? As 2016 comes to to a close, where are you at? Your heart, your hopes, your efforts–what effects have they had on your spiritual life? Did your walk with Christ improve throughout the year? What was God’s will for you and was it accomplished? How many of your goals did you reach? What are you aiming for next year?
You may feel torn inside, pulled in competing directions. Half of you may pine for the past, to right some wrong, solve some stubborn problem, or ruminate about your comfortable routine. The other half may yearn to break free and race to undiscovered potential.
Yes, God’s Word warns about double-mindedness. You can’t stay split forever. But for the moment, acknowledge and accept it. From there, in the quiet, you will hear the Spirit address you. Jesus will lead you; He won’t let you down.
“Let go and let God.” It’s more than just a slogan; it’s a great way to transition from one year to the next.
Happy New Year!
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