If You Say So....Luke 5:4-7 (NASB)

From my September 18 blog post: "As I was waiting just beyond the finish line, I noticed the athletes as they came through. Some looked relieved, some looked elated, but many looked exhausted and spent and needed a few moments to slow themselves down." I sensed as I watched these athletes that this was a picture for me. From my October 18th blog post, "Crossing the Line" I describe how a difficult and painful season has come to an end for me. I have "crossed that line" and like those tired, weary athletes, God had a message already prepared for me: "You will need some time to catch your breath and to heal from this race. It was rigorous and exhausting and your soul needs extra care and time." Such kindness and tenderness from my Good Shepherd. Since this matter is "done" I am expected by those who know and love me to now, "move on" and "let it go." But my heart is still struggling with all those unanswered questions....

  THIS is the heart of God It was an inexplicable response - one that revealed the heart of the matter, God's heart. After the initial shock, my thoughts went to his pastor. His pastor who cared for him, prayed for him, eagerly awaited his return home from a long deployment, sent a care package overseas and must have been overjoyed upon his return. Just 5 days ago he was praying at the end of the church service-sounding very spiritual and righteous. Did his pastor know that, within less than one week, he would turn his ministerial credentials into the district superintendent, effectively ending his pastoral ministry? Ending his service at the church, signaling that he would not fight the lurid and detailed allegations leveled against him of sexual sin, emotional cruelty, immaturity and deception? I was in a church room, all by myself, waiting for a reception for my father-in-law, and I was stunned as I read the email. I actually had some difficulty breathing, I was so shocked. I ha...