Having found myself on the verge of giving the same platitude to a colleague in the same position I was in 12 months ago I'm still irritated by the implication that 'God's Time' could conceivably require me to do absolutely nothing to discern the way forward. My understanding of God's Kingdom is that we're all working together in the process of discernment. If I'm being fobbed off with a pat on the head and 'wait on God's time, deary' - it is too often an excuse to opt out of God's calling on each of our lives to get on a do something. If I trust that God's strength will uphold me, whether the outcome is success or failure in the eyes of this world, I am set free to act.
I find myself now on the verge of my first APCM (annual church council meeting legally required in the Church of England for the election and appointment of roles within a church's life), with question marks over some of those roles as volunteers retire after years of dedicated service. Half of me is stressed that the answer isn't neat and the roles haven't been filled by willing and forthcoming volunteers - the other half of me is contemplating 'God's time' again. I have acted, I have discussed, I have preached about vocation and discernment - I have even read the Church Representation Rules (extreme times call for extreme measures!) I now need to watch and pray, trusting God to do what is needed. Maybe what is needed is a gap, a problem, a crisis, for the right people to hear and accept their particular calling. I hold these things in tension, and pray the Vicar's prayer "Please God, help me not to snap."
4 comments:
I'm sure your colleague would have appreciated your wisdom.
tough times rach, but they have the best, in that they have you. I personally find waiting difficult & i've had to force myself into submission at times in order to better hear what it is i'm supposed to be doing.
Tough times, but they have the best in they they have you at the helm.
I personally find waiting difficult at times & have had to learn to 'wait on him' as it were to better try & understand what it is I'm supposed to be doing. I pray that the people you need turn up with a fire in their hearts.
Hi Rachel,thank you for sharing your thought,s,it,s not easy being a vicar,Of course there are rewards.
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