Grace under pressure.

Today, 090909, marks my 9th day as >ahem< senior pastor.

Funny. I've never had those words hung around my neck before. And, to be honest, they're heavier than I always thought they would be.

If there is one thing I am learning now with increasing force it is this: "It's easier to criticize leaders when you're not the one at the lead."

Hoo-boy am I learning this.

Am I ranting here? Nope. Merely stating a fact, thank you.

The amazing thing is that, through it all, I am also coming to prove a Scriptural principle true in my life: "In times of God-allowed adversity His Grace is sufficient indeed."

The illustration of a Coke can really helps. Any child can crumple an empty Coke can but it would take considerable force and pressure to crumple a full, unopened can.

Why? Because the pressure from outside the can is met and matched by the counter-pressure of the Coke inside the can. It would take greater pressure from the outside before the can and its contents will finally give way.

Scripture says that "Greater is He Who is in you..."

This is why I am so thankful that in the face of all the newfound challenges that come part and parcel with the new "neck ornaments" I am able to stay focused and calm.

Thanks to The One Who Indwells me, I am now enjoying experiencing the truth that was expressed by the apostle Paul in his second epistle to the Corinthians.

And I am, strangely enough, enjoying it.

I am now fully convinced that God never makes a mistake when He calls and anoints anyone for ministry. You see, I have never been a graceful man, neither in build nor in motion. But by the power of the Holy Spirit Who is Greater Than any crisis or commotion, I am happily walking in the sweet shade of God's sufficient grace, and I am finding the strength to withstand the pressures from without. And I am doing so... gracefully.

So much so that I have been able to face and respond to the challenges and surprises that come with this new responsibility that has been entrusted to me with surprising [for me!] calm and confidence.

Truly, where God guides, He provides - and not just finances. we're talking wisdom, insight, foresight, cool and collected composure, real inner peace, favor with men.

And grace to withstand the pressure.