Our church’s property sits beside a road that has been under construction for at least a year. Construction teams have been working to widen this already congested thoroughfare. For the past year, we have been subjected to even more slowdowns and congestion as the road’s structure has been dismantled and redesigned. I drove home tonight past the flashing lights of police cars and a night crew laboring on the road.
While I am not delighted with this process, I am expecting a day to come when the new structure will be much smoother, more efficient, safer, and faster. Until then, I try to avoid this road during rush hours.
Transitions are rarely without frustration. Delightful is not often used to describe everything that comes with a transition. Transitions are often times of slowdowns, evaluations, and restructurings. However, what follows is often an excellent way–one that is delightful.
In the Shepherd’s Psalm, the sheep is led through an uncomfortable place to then be found at a place of honor around a table (Psalm 23:4-5). No matter what comes, goodness and mercy follow this sheep throughout life (v. 6).
During the transitions of life and ministry that we encounter, let’s keep walking with the Shepherd and hang in there! He makes known the path of life; and in His presence there is fulness of joy and pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). . . even when things are not delightful.
———-
MissioNexus is the largest network of North American evangelical mission agencies. Ted Esler recently stepped into the role of the network’s president and CEO. Check out our conversation on Strike the Match. iTunes | Android | RSS
