Handing over the reins….
Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care….
1Tim.6.20a
The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.
This is a trustworthy saying.
And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.
These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Titus.1.5,Titus.2.1,Titus.3.8
Reading through Paul’s letters to various people and churches, you find that he had so much faith in people…even though he rebuked them, admonished them, advised them, prayed for them, encouraged them…he left them in God’s hands to grow…as he went from area to area, town to town, body to body…his gifting was to plant and to nourish for a time before handing it over to others …he loved those people whom he worked so tirelessly with and for…he wanted the best for each…
We raise our children or help others along the way, wanting the best for them…we may give advise, may admonish, may encourage, but ultimately we have to hand over the reins at some point in time…a change in ministry or location causes us to hand things to another…
As others come in to fill a role we developed or envisioned, their personality, gifting will give it another spin…it may change in looks, but hopefully the basic premise will stay the same…that is what Paul focused upon…the basics, the gospel is the same. The music may change, the color of carpet or rooms may change , the “bones” would be strong…the foundation set…
Sometimes, it is hard to let go, knowing that the next group will make changes that you might have not made…someone told me, “you can’t go back the the house” you so lovingly built and furnished…the next owners will have made it their own, it’s not yours anymore…
Paul was so good to let go, knowing that God would work in peoples’ lives..He would take care of His church…and He has down through the ages…He is trustworthy…and He has a plan…we are blessed to be a part of it for a season…
Thank YOU…
Trust in God…
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