Wow, what a way to start! I mean I have always heard "the best laid plans" and other quotes like it, but I wish it wasn't coming true at this moment.
God had been laying it on my heart for some time to try to reach out to our community in some new, exciting way. When I read an article by my parents' pastor with some fresh ideas for connecting with his congregation, I began asking God how I can do the same. Soon I was making plans to begin a periodic email to share my thoughts with you. And Snapshots form the Savior was born - at least as an idea!
So I began doing some of the detail work and was ready to launch with the first week of October. Then, through a series of confusing and somewhat inexplicable complications, we sat in the 21st century version of the dark for about a week with no internet/email connection at the church.
But isn't it funny how obstacles seem to jump up out of nowhere when God is leading us in a specific direction. Jesus told his disciples (and us) that we should prepare ourselves for opposition. After all people opposed Him, so why would they not oppose us (John 15:18). Instances like our "loss of connectivity" at the office don't necessarily fall into that kind of opposition. I mean there wasn't a person labeled as the enemy working to malign us - or was there. Isn't our battle against an adversary who prowls about waiting for the opportune time (1 Peter 5:8)? Isn't our battle against the spiritual forces, not just flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:10-20)? I think this little bump in the road is like a lot of bumps in a lot of our roads where we feel that the deck is stacked against our success. Remember, don't take it personally, for the world is not rejecting you and me, but they are voicing their desire to follow the enemy rather than the Savior.
I don't know about you, but that makes me want to work even harder to help the cause of my Savior and Lord. Won't you join me in this attitude of the second mile? Next time something seems to pop up as an obstacle in the path of following God, remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:38-41:
38"You have heard that it was said, 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39But I tell you, don't resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him also have your coat as well. 41And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two."
Let's face our difficulties "head on" and label them what they are - attempts from the adversary to detain us and to derail us from the will of God
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