Well, I’ve come to an end of an era in my Christian journey. By the time you read this letter, I will no longer be Pastor Steve, but Revd. Steve. It has been quite a journey for me since candidating for presbyteral ministry some 4 years ago, a journey which initially, I wasn’t keen to undertake, having
been through ministerial training some 22 years ago. But this is where we have to recognise that God is in control and knows what is best for us. It’s human nature for us to want to take the easiest path through life, and when God sends us down a different path, we often rebel, or think we know
better.
As I look back over the last 3 years of ministerial training, I can now see God’s wisdom and plan. I have had so many experiences and opportunities to see God and the Methodist church at work, in this country; across the globe in Sri Lanka; things I would have never seen or experienced had I taken the straight path through life. I have also made many relationships with my college cohort and teaching
staff, who had become friends. And of course, the practical and theological training at the Queen’s Foundation College has been integral to my spiritual journey.
But for all of us, God ‘meanders’ our lives like the river in the picture above, so that we can all come into contact with people and experiences God has intended for us, experiences which will help us grow and mature into the people He wants us to be.
Jeremiah 29:11 says; ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ [NIVUK]
My prayer for all of us is that we would be open to God’s call upon our lives, even when we cannot see, or understand the reason.
It may seem like an oxymoron when we consider what I have written above, but; ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ [Proverbs 3:5-6 NIVUK]
I would like to finish this letter by thanking all those who have supported me throughout these past years. Your support has been invaluable and appreciated. Thank you.
Every blessing,
Revd. Steve