Life is a journey.  We often hear that saying spoken, but we do stop to think about what most roads are like – straight and logical at times while curvy and lacking any explanation at other times.  Sometimes our life doesn’t make sense at the time it happens when in reality it is preparation for something greater.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 promises us “For I know what plans I have in mind for you,' says Adonai,' plans for well-being, not for bad things; so that you can have hope and a future. When you call to me and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you seek me, you will find me, provided you seek for me wholeheartedly; and I will let you find me,' says Adonai. 'Then I will reverse your exile. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have driven you,' says Adonai, 'and bring you back to the place from which I exiled you.'”

Yahweh is taking us on a journey called life in order to mold us into His image and character.  This journey often takes us to unexpected destinations in order to learn the skills, talents, humility, and character we need to fulfill our Yahweh given calling.  You see, Yahweh does not call the equipped but rather equips the called meaning that He loves to use those with a heart for Him yet in need of instruction on the how.  The twists and turns often take us to places we are unprepared for; however, the lessons we are learn are invaluable. 

A good leader is one who has integrity, compassion, ability to deal with persecutions and hard times, has a love for their family and others, and most of all a deep abiding love for Yahweh.  Many of these areas are only developed as we live life.  I can personally say that while I understood the concept of dealing with persecution as I have walked out my life and been criticized and rejected for my beliefs in Messiah, I have truly understood what that meant.  It took it from a concept to reality.  Many times that is what is happening in our lives.  As the old saying of “You never truly know someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes” goes, the Lord will take us on a journey so we can truly minister to people out of our own hurts and growth.  As my dad (Terry Boutet) has often said, “Our strengths and skills determine our vocation; our weaknesses determine our ministry.”  How true! 

It is important that we remember to be humble no matter where are calling leads us – whether the slums or the most honored place.  If we are not humble, our calling can lead to destruction by allowing pride into our lives. As my friend and mentor, Mike Clayton, often reminds me, “Never forget our gift makes room for us not us making room for our gift.”  We are entrusted with a gift or talent; we need to realize it is given to us for Yahweh’s glory not ours.  It is not of us but given through Yahweh.

In conclusion, am I willing to allow Yahweh the freedom to work in my life?  To grow me?  To challenge and shape me?  All the while remembering that He has a perfect plan for my life and while I cannot see the picture now, He can! 

I will conclude with some of the lyrics from the song “Already There” by Casting Crowns:

From where I'm standing, Lord, it's so hard for me to see where this is going and where You're leading me.  I wish I knew how all my fears and all my questions are gonna play out in a world I can't control.

From where You're standing, Lord, You see a grand design that You imagined when You breathed me into life and all the chaos comes together in Your hands like a masterpiece of Your picture perfect plan.