Timing Is Everything
Life on the Pasture
I do not like being disappointed. I do not like disappointing others. Unfortunately, there are times when that will happen. Difficult decisions have to be made. Sometimes quick responses have to give way to contemplation and a time of extended prayer seeking the Lord's guidance, after which one can act boldly rather than delaying with more study. As our congregation prepares to "reopen," undoubtedly, some will be disappointed with our timing. Some will think it is too slow, others too fast.
In Acts 1 we are given the account of how the disciples went about appointing a replacement for Judas: They nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, You know every heart. Show us which of these men You have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry...” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven. (Acts 1:23–26, NLT)
Wouldn't it be nice if the Lord led us to make every decision that way? But what is not thoroughly described for us is the whole process of how Joseph and Matthias were nominated. Any of us who have gone through a Call process for a pastor or teacher knows that coming up with the candidates who will eventually be brought before the congregation takes some time and a lot of prayer.
While the whole process of reopening for worship seems very simple ("Let's just open the doors for our weekend services and assign elders and ushers"), it's really not that easy. There is the whole matter of making sure everything is done decently and in order not only when it comes to the worship service, but also in providing a safe environment that promotes proper social distancing and so on to prevent the spread of the virus. As many have said, "Reopening is harder than closing." What is more, "Timing is everything."
The Lord's timing, that is. Which is why the prayer "Thy will be done" is so important and cannot be rushed. As David says, "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14, NLT)
Out of all the things that have resulted from this pandemic, one positive for me has been a further development of my prayer life and a deeper understanding of what it means to wait on the Lord. What I've found is a confirmation of Paul's words in Romans 5: "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love." (Romans 5:3–5, NLT)
– Pastor Schmidt