The Lord's Leading : Flexibility

Last weekend I had planned to go to Jaipur for follow up shepherding. I brought this matter for fellowship and the Lord adjusted this plan. In the principle of the Body it is always best to serve in coordination, not singly but with some other members. But it so turned out that no one was available to go with me. The only way to go ahead was to go alone. I left the matter to the Lord and allowed the Lord to work. In prayer and in fellowship, even with my wife, and even in the circumstances, I could discern that I should not go this time. So I cancelled the plan.

 

The Lord knows best. Because of the cancelled plan I was available for the need in Gurgaon itself. The Friday group meeting was not cancelled, on Saturday we had a very important baptism and were fellowshipping and praying with a saint for some new ones of whom two were also baptised. Besides, there was an urgent call to meet a family with demonic and psychological attack from the enemy which was dealt with and prayed over.

Moreover, as a father of a family I could fulfill my family responsibilities as well. I could also visit my children's school as a family for Parent-Teacher's Meet, and could take my family out to a park, and also for dinner.

I was also available to release the burden of the Lord's speaking for the week in the church meeting. Even a home meeting with a newly baptised believer was not cancelled. I could also visit a family for a group meeting where God spoke on the matter of "God-man."  

If I had gone ahead according to my self determined will, all these things that transpired last week would not have transpired. Worst of all, I would miss all of them and the weekend shepherding would not have taken place. But praise the Lord, in fellowship I was adjusted and balanced. This is the Body life, living and walking in the reality of the Body life!

This is yet another big lesson on fellowship and flexibility as per the Lord's leading. This reminds me of Paul's experience in Acts 16.

16:7   And when they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, yet the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 

Paul did not insist on his plan, instead followed the Spirit's leading that eventually led him to heed to the Macedonian call. This is not to undermine a proper prayer and planning, but in all our plannings, we must be open to the Lord for His adjustment and leading. He knows best.

What a blessed weekend I could enjoy, by heeding to the Lord's leading! 

Lord, keep me open to You always for Your leading.