Stumbling Along

Lately I have “stumbled upon” people who are in the midst of a life journey that has become a complicated stew of pain, suffering, and loss. This “stumbling” has NOT been in the course of my vocation as pastor, but in the everyday journey through grocery store lines, book stores, and coffee shops with people who either know me outside of being a pastor or are strangers. Truthfully, I do not believe I actually “stumbled upon” these people, but that God placed me in their path (and/or them in my path). Sometimes I have found myself wondering silently to God if I am prepared to be His presence for this person in their crisis.

I believe all of us have a calling from God to be God’s presence, fully available to God, for others in the midst of their life situations. This is how we are the church. Yet, when we “stumble upon” a person in crisis, how can we be prepared when being prepared is not something we can put on like a uniform.

Henry Nouwen say, “the question is not to prepare but to live in a state of ongoing preparedness so that when someone who is drowning in the world comes to your world, you are ready ...”1 This kind of preparedness comes from a life lived in deep and honest response to the presence of God in the midst of our own human experience, day in and day out. It comes from strength of soul - from maintaining a solid connection to the One who is our Life and our Wisdom and our Strength.

How do you live in a state of ongoing preparedness? What are the practices and disciplines that keep you solidly connected to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior? Psalm 138v3 says, “On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.”

This is a prayer that we can be confident that God longs to answer. I invite you to pray daily for God to increase the strength of your soul - for God to guide you into new, intentional, and regular practices that solidify your connection to God.

May God increase the strength of your soul for the abundance of your own life in God’s presence and for the sake of those God has called you to serve.

1 - From “Time Enough to Minister” by Henri j.M. Nouwen in Leadership (Spring, 1982)

Grace,

Tim