trust the Lord

In the days leading up to last night's worship service, I felt impressed by God to explain the Southern Baptist Convention (the SBC, not the 2010 annual meeting). Of course, I was not too excited about it, not because I'm not excited about the SBC, but simply because it's not the most titillating topic in a worship service. I knew most people would be showing up to hear a message out of Leviticus. Pastor Sonny knew I was wrestling with it and twice I went to him with doubts and both times he insisted I follow what I felt was the Lord's leading. Still, I'm not going to lie, going into last night's service I lacked confidence about the reaction of our church to an information session on the SBC. Even during the 45 minute monologue explanation of the SBC's structure and systems (no multimedia) I was doubting.

A good pastor friend of mine has a post up on his blog right now about what he believes are the two most powerful words in the world, "but, God". I'll admit, I wasn't focused on, "but, God". What I should have understood was that Nathan was explaining the SBC, but God...

As soon as the service let out, I had people lined up to talk to me about the "talk". There was lots of, "I'm so glad you told us that". Four people in their 30s and 40s have already asked me if they can be NEHBC messengers to the SBC. One man told me he's been embarrassed about attending a Southern Baptist church, but now he's going to go ask his friends why they don't. One lady thanked me for the presentation because "it's important we know why we are Southern Baptist". She's right.

The Lord proved Himself faithful to me last night and I'm grateful. I'm also grateful He puts up with me. I'm grateful for Pastor Sonny's faithful encouragement and our partnership in ministry.

If the Lord is asking you to do something today that you think is weird, awkward, or unpopular, I'd encourage you to trust Him and do what He's telling you to do. You don't know how He is going to use what He's asking you to do until you do it. It's good to be reminded that we can trust Him and do what He says to do. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.