The Sunday we announced our resignation as pastors of Heights Church, the Lord had me share from Acts 16 when Paul came to Troas. He had been trying to get into new territory to preach the gospel and a couple of times the Spirit kept him from heading in particular directions. Finally, he came to Troas and it was there the Lord showed him what was next.
This was a good picture of how the past few months had felt for me in my own life. There were things we were attempting, directions we seemed to be heading in ministry with the church, and we kept coming up short. Changes would happen. I am a slow learner, but I am thankful for 20/20 hindsight!
While we still don’t know what the Lord has for us in the next stage of the journey, we do know the Lord is putting us in Troas to hear him.
As I move through this Advent Season and read the Scripture in this time, I am blown away by the leading of the Lord through these passages!
Today had me in Psalm 30 and 32. These were significant Psalms in my life 20 years ago when the Lord brought me back into ministry and led us to Minnesota. It’s not like I haven’t read these Psalms since, either! But here they are, ready to teach me yet again.
As we move to our spiritual Troas, these verses give me rest as I rejoice in God my Deliverer!
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. (Ps. 32:7-8)
Lord, I trust you. You have brought me to a place of hearing. All along the way you have watched over me and made sure I could come to a place of listening once again. Tune my heart, O Lord. Your loving gaze is on me. May my gaze now be fixed on you. Amen.
Apprentice 2 Jesus 