Looking back just over a fortnight I am still thinking about something that happened, almost unnoticeable but significant.
I prepared a short address for the Remembrance Sunday Service that included a reflection on the Latin words from which are derived the word ‘Armistice.’ On the Friday night I turned up at the Church to rehearse the routines for Sunday morning and listened in to the Boys’ Brigade Devotions. Guess what? Without prior discussion the Leader focussed on exactly the same thing.
After everything was over on Sunday morning, we had the chance to reflect on God’s useful guidance. We both felt affirmed in our messaging and the congregation had a unified message that was simple and clear.
Thinking about that experience, which is not unique in Church Life, I am led to wonder how often these alignments occur and we do not even notice. In this case we heard each other’s messages but how often does the same thing happen and we never know about it.
Leaders and Preachers take time to prepare their input. It does us good to be shown that we are working in cahoots with God who has an agenda for all the meetings held in his name. Usually, to work in cahoots implies secretive and nefarious activities; why not be open and tell everyone when we are speaking for God?
God works through people in many situations, not all of which involve leadership and worship. Only today I was plonked beside someone who needed to share a sensitive personal matter. God be praised that I was there. God be thanked for putting me there.
A prayer
Lord God, you co-ordinate our speaking, our thinking and our being so we work out your eternal purpose; thank you that you use us in that way and may we respond as you manage us to be your arms and legs, ears, eyes and tongues. Thank you for using us all in our diverse ways. Amen.