Blessings Come with Responsibility

This morning as I was reading my Bible, I read the very familiar passage of the Israelites leaving their slavery in Egypt to go to the land that God had promised them. The particular verse that 'jumped' out at me was "the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people." Ex. 13:21-22

In my last newsletter I wrote about how blessings can be exhausting. Blessings also come with a lot responsibility. Our prayers have been answered. God has done what was impossible, and now this part of our journey has begun. Yesterday we had our second 'construction meeting'. Since Robert and I began the PARC almost 10 years ago I have felt that I don't have a clue what I am doing. I am out of my element. But God has been so very faithful to lead us by the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. He has been faithful to lead us every step of the way.

Yesterday in a construction meeting I was surrounded by the very best of men who are so good and knowledgeable about what they are doing. I will be honest. Most of the things discussed I didn't understand, but there were some decisions that needed to be made that were very clear to me. In fact, I became quite passionate about it. Let's just say that I needed a minute. These men spoke wisdom and explained things from all angles. They were kind, but I was a little overwhelmed. (Just being honest.) After the meeting I felt a little like the wind had been knocked out of me. It wasn't going like what I thought.  There are a few changes that need to be made. Duh!! Right? This is construction. You are supposed to expect that. I told myself that I did, and that I would just roll with the punches. I know that those of you that know me are probably laughing at me right now. I am not sure that I roll very well. 

After I had a little time to absorb the information, a little time to process and breathe, I told myself that it will be okay. We will get through this and God is leading the way. He already knows the end, and He is taking us there. BUT!!!! "God did not lead them by the way of the Philistines, even though that was near, 'lest the people the people change their minds when they see war'." Exodus 13:17 God really does know the way. He WILL lead us and tell us what to do in His way and His timing. The 'way' may not be smooth, but it is 'the way'. 

I will leave you with this, because this is what I will stand on. It is the verse that the Lord gave me when the PARC first began, and I have it in my office. "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." Ex. 14:13-14 Just breathe, Valerie. Just breathe.