We are in the process of making big decisions and, as sensitively as possible, following God's leading. To this point, the Lord has been very gracious and giving Veronica and I together a sense of clarity at each step. But we've never had a strong sense of where on this will end (more on that later). Rather than getting easier, it seems to be getting harder. And one of the senses we've had lately is to let our "community" in on the decision-making process itself. We need you.
Today, I read this blog by a Baptist pastor, Darryl Dash (dashhouse.com) about exactly what we're feeling. It was about the remarkable case of Jonathan Edwards making the decision to move from ministry to become the President of what is now Princeton University. He didn't want to do it. He called a "counsel" of his friends and trusted advisors. They prayed and told him they thought he should. This is the blog:
When they published their judgment and advice to Mr. Edwards and his people, he appeared uncommonly moved and affected with it, and fell into tears on the occasion, which was very unusual for him, in the presence of others; and soon after, he said to the gentlemen who had given their advice, that it was matter of wonder to him, that they could so easily, as they appeared to do, get over the objections he had made against his removal. But, as he thought it his duty to be directed by their advice, he should now endeavour cheerfully to undertake it, believing he was in the way of his duty. (The Works of Jonathan Edwards )
He didn’t ask for their advice and make the decision himself. He even spoke against accepting the position. Yet he entrusted himself to the wisdom of others, submitting himself to their final decision.
It makes me realize how individualistic we’ve become in decision making.
Earlier this week, Justin Taylor wrote:
As it applies to Christians discerning calling, it's important to remember that our callings (whether to marriage, to job, in a new life direction) should not be discerned by the individual alone (autonomy) or everyone (democracy) but rather by good counselors (a trusted community).
Good and radical advice.
http://www.dashhouse.com/2010/02/making-decisions-in-community/
I'll write in coming days about the decisions we face. I'd love your prayers and thoughts. As has been the case throughout, we're open to the Lord's leading in any direction. We're listening for the Lord, and we know He often speaks through our friends. We have never felt alone in this - not abandoned by the Lord, and certainly not by our friends. We're listening.
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