Three years ago today, on Cinco De Mayo, I was installed as the pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Old Bridge, NJ. New Jersey was never a place I thought I would go. I remember the first time visiting New Jersey while driving past the refineries on the Turnpike and thinking to myself: “who would want to live here?”
But here I am! It wasn’t my plan, but it was God’s plan. Today, there is nowhere else I would want to be because God has got me right where he wants me to be. (By the way – Jersey is a very wonderful place in spite of all the stereotypes.) You can’t go wrong following God’s lead, even when it doesn’t make sense.
I am grateful for my wife, Barbara, that she has followed me on some crazy adventures. I am grateful for our church family and their willingness to be open to the Spirit’s leading. I know they are always waiting for that next thing pastor is going to be changing.
Transitions can be difficult. We mourn what is lost and left behind. It is the close of one chapter, but the beginning of a new. If we are open to the new things God is doing, there is an incredible journey to be taken.
Here is something I have come to learn. God is always up to something new.
“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”” (Revelation 21:5, ESV)
God is working a new thing in your life and your church if you are open to it. Will you listen for God’s lead? Will you have the faith to follow?
Thought for the Day
What new opportunity is God giving for you to embrace? What is your reluctance to follow his lead?
Congratulations on three years. I am glad to hear you are happy in NJ because your leadership at Good Shepherd has really had a positive impact on my life.