Back to the Beginning

Back to the Beginning

Along the journey of life we experience a variety of highs and lows. There are times when things are going smoothly, and there are times when things are more difficult. We try to figure things out and make sense of it all, but I've come to learn that going back to the beginning can be helpful at times.

What I mean by that is, let's examine what got us on this path in the first place. Did we see someone else on that path, and it seemed like a good idea for us, too? Or did we just end up on the current path without any rhyme or reason, it just sort of happened? Or did we sense a divine invitation to take this path, and we stepped out in faith, believing this was the will of the Lord?

Whatever the reason, I think it's valuable for us to revisit our starting point in order to determine the next step. When things become difficult, we need to know if we should stay the course or make a change? We don't want to keep going down a dead end, yet we don't want to bail out every time trouble comes, either. How do we know which is the best decision? Go back to the beginning.

I think about Jesus and the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee in Mark 4. Jesus declares they are going to the other side and then falls asleep in the back of the boat. Along the way, a violent storm rises us and threatens their safety. The disciples are afraid and wake Jesus up. He calms the storm and challenges them with a question, Where is your faith?

We don't like being under pressure. We don't enjoy difficult circumstances. Yet sometimes they come even when we are following the Lord's instructions. Going back to the beginning means let's examine the reason behind our present situation. If it's the word of the Lord, then let's stay the course and trust that we will get to the other side.

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Getting the word of the Lord firmly settled in your heart so you can face down any storm, knowing that you will reach the other side.