At this time last year I was preparing to visit the Philippines for my son’s wedding.
I had also just embarked on a massive lifestyle change, the seeds of which had been planted in November of 2018. Way back then the Lord had spoken to me about embracing a lifestyle of faith with my finances that would involve me giving up my salary from the church. I did this in November of 2019 and received my final check from the church on Dec. 31st 2019.
I still work for the church as a pastor and as a volunteer.
One of the things the Lord told me in January was that this move to a lifestyle of faith was about a personal shift which was going to take a year to complete. I was launching on a journey. I had the method of travel. I just didn’t know where the walk of faith would lead me.
Here I am one year later and my life has totally changed. I have shifted from a life schedule to a life rhythm. My prayer life has deepened and changed from intercessor to watchman on the wall. I have finished my book. I have learned much more about my office in the church as a prophet. My leadership style flows chiefly from prayer (rather than from a church schedule) and manifests more as a caretaker than as a facilitator.
As 2021 dawns I am posed to take the next steps of this journey: Next steps in ministry; Next steps in publishing my book; Next steps in being the co-owner of the Vicarage; The next steps in my family; The next steps financially.
I don’t know what all of those steps are yet, but I do know they will take me in new directions. I have tried to follow the threads prophetically so I can see my future but they vanish a bit up the road into a bank of fog God has created to keep me on the pathway of slow constant intentional living by faith in the day to day.
Here are the things I know: The world is not done with its troubles just because it is 2021; America is in the cross-hairs; Prosperity is still possible; Faith is more necessary in the days ahead than in the days past; It is time to operate in my God-given authority; God has equipped me with what I need for the road ahead; I need to focus on the step I see not the ones I don’t; It is time to write; It is time to publish; People are more important than programs.
New directions, Next steps. Anything could happen and probably will. Isn’t that exciting?
We can be bold and hopeful for what lies ahead, putting on the the armor of God as Paul says in Ephesians 6. How wonderful that your communion with God has deepened and flourished in the past year, the spring of your confidence for “next steps”! May God bless you.
I agree Dora. I have come to understand that my only confidence comes from the Presence of God.
I really love “shifted from a life schedule to a life rhythm” as a concept to live by. Beautiful words.
Thank you! This concept took longer than I expected it would…I think I have fully made the shift. The hardest part was moving to the natural rhythm of life I felt rather than rushing after the patterns of other lives and expectations.
It is a beautiful concept.
Your trust in God’s vision is admirable. I’m excited to see where he takes you! Blessings abound as you head to glorify his name.
I am sure of it cousin. I sense this will be a year of great challenges for us, but great victory also lies in that space and joy, peace and a host of other blessings.
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