Introduction

The people of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., have organized a Spirit-Driven Task Force, bringing together almost forty members who have committed to a year of study, prayer, reflection, and deliberation to discern how God is calling the congregation to renewal for the sake of his mission.

This is the tenth of a series of weekly meditations with the aim to inspire reflection and encourage conversation among the members of the task force as we journey together in obedience to our Lord’s calling to serve him.

Lisa Woeppel, a member of the Spirit Driven Task Force, wrote this week’s meditation.

Scripture

“Instead, you should say, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and carry out our plans.’”—James 4:15 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

Meditation

On a recent drive into Lincoln, I was especially attuned to the occupants in the car immediately ahead. A determined teenage girl sat behind the wheel, operating the vehicle in a very deliberate and cautious manner. A fatherly figure seated to her right appeared to repeatedly guide and assure her. She responded with respectful glances and nods of the head. Ah ha; a daughter learning to drive under the loving tutelage of a father! Over the miles, as I witnessed this rite of passage, a more profound concept emerged: She was in the driver’s seat, but he was in control. She listened with ears attuned to her father, with eyes opened to his leading signs, and she carried out her plan.

We may be in the driver’s seat of our ministry, but we have to be aware of His control and attend to His leading. We must not do anything important without His assurance that it is right. How do we abide by our Father’s direction? Seek His will through contemplative Scripture reading and prayer. Submit to God’s will in everything. Desire to follow His leading and expect His blessing.

Prayer

Father, teach us how to listen with ears attuned to the Spirit and eyes open to the signs of Your leading. Amen.