It looks like we’re almost done with 2023 and what a year is has been. I’ve done a lot of things this year and I for one, have been a bit busy in my newly formed mid-west life. While I miss the last ride at times, I know that where I am at right now is where I am supposed to be; with a happy wife, our three adult offspring, their spouses and families, which includes our 7 (and counting) grandkids. It’s my hope for you brother (sister) that you are also where you’re supposed to be, doing what God has called you to, for such a time as this.
There’s nothing worse than not being where you’re supposed to be at the time you’re supposed to be there; just ask the guy who missed the stop light against an opposing drunk driver. Dead right or dead wrong is still dead. Be sure to clear those intersections before you enter them. Don’t let an LED light bulb determine your destiny.
Solomon said it this way, “Like a bird that wanders from its nest is a man who wanders from his place.” – Proverbs 27:8
If God has established you in a place and He has given you a purpose, stick with it. Sometimes it takes years of obedience to fully understand the working of the Lord in our lives. It all comes down to some simple obedience and a little bit of faith to follow it through.
Debi and I celebrate three years this week of our relocation to the Kansas City area. Why we’re becoming Chief fans with the rest of this ‘kingdom,’ we also know our place; and its place. As I ponder the many ramifications of what is going on in the world and the potential for an ‘at any moment’ disaster, I am equally encouraged by the doctrine of immanence with regard to the Rapture. It helps me to know that as hard has I plan for the future and work in the present, I am still longing for that trumpet blast from above and the subsequent hyper-ejection upward that comes with it. When that moment does occur, I want to make sure that I am where I was supposed to be, doing what I was supposed to be doing when we launch.
I say this for those brothers (sisters) out there who may struggle with where they feel they are supposed to be. You as a man of God, must be committed to the things of the Lord. Like all of us, we must be diligent in our continual quest of obeying the Lord’s will for our lives and following the prompting of His Holy Spirit.
Solomon also said this, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
– Proverbs 16:9
If you have a plan, be sure to run it by the Master, check it with His Word, and get some good advice from trusted elders who know you well enough to encourage and challenge you in your attempt at obedience. In the end, if you really are seeking the Lord, He will direct your steps as He has ordered them; especially if you ask.
David said it this way, “The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord, and He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” – Psalm 37:23,24
- In both of these passages we find a general commission of God prompting His men to do and be what He has called them toward. The finding here is that if we truly love the Lord and are desirous of His will for our lives, than we will also want what God wants for us.
Even in this process, we may tend to slip a bit at times. Thank God for His Holy Spirit who is always with us, convicting and consoling us accordingly. If we didn’t have Him, we would be utterly cast down. I challenge you my brother as we close out another year and begin a new one, to be as determined to stay in the will of the Father and fulfill your God-given calling to the best of your ability. Be willing to endure the trial and allow your faith in God to grow through the trial. Remember, you’re not alone in this. In the end it shall be well, but we have to get there first. Let’s take it one day at a time, one step at a time, but always forward. Jesus is coming soon, but until then, let’s walk the talk and follow the leading of the Lord.
Maranatha!
Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Northern Missouri. He lives with his wife of 34-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren). Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a former Lead Pastor (25 years), police chaplain, and community advocate. He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.
Encourage Men 