For such a time as this…

“who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

No, this is not yet another reference to Meghan Markle becoming part of the royal family – although in God’s grand scheme – who knows what it may lead to? This actually is a reference to my experience of God being in full control of church activity.

As I reflect on my time in ministry, not just with you but also with other churches, I was reminded of occasions where God was not only at work. A minister cannot do everything and will probably focus on what we consider the most pressing issues. On occasion I have seen other areas of the church blossoming while I struggled to find the fruit of my labour. As I prayed I heard God say that I needed to focus on what he had called me to do and he was in control of what I could not do. No wonder they were prospering if God was hands on.

Another aspect of letting God lead is also accepting God’s timing. People sometime panic at delay and seek immediate results; but I have found God’s timing to be impeccable and usually longer term than most expect. I therefore believe this is the right time for Longham and Three Cross that I step down as minister so that the machinery of the URC can contemplate who the next minister should be; taking a longer term view rather than a short term fix. Vacancies in other churches give the potential at this time to form a new group of churches to seek a full time minister. This may prove to be God’s perfect timing. And even if the timing is humanly wrong God is nevertheless gracious to look after his children in all circumstances. Come what may we are all under God’s good hand (Ezra 7). Nothing can assail us. Praise the Lord.

“when the time had fully come, God sent his Son… to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights as God’s children” Galatians 4:4-5

Blessings   Nick