Having Answers

"The vocation of pastor does not permit trafficking in either miracles or answers. Pastors are in the awkward position of refusing to give what a great many people assume it is our assigned job to give… We are asked to pray for an appropriate miracle, we are called upon to declare an authoritative answer. But our calling equips us for neither. In fact, it forbids us to engage in either the miracle business or the answer business." -Eugene Peterson

The longer I live the less equipped I feel to do certain things. I am not equipped to give answers to the big questions others have about specific things in their lives. I am not often equipped to pray for certain outcomes because life teaches that God's will may encompass an outcome very different (and infinitely better) than what we think or imagine.

Even when I think of my own life and walk with God, there is so much more that I don't know than that I do know. I don't mean Theological issues. I mean life issues. I do not fully understand the trajectory of my life. I think I understand some things, but would not be surprised to learn when I get to heaven that I was completely wrong. If and when that happens I expect to laugh about it.

What I do know is that God is good. He is fully in control. His plan is perfect. His intentions are loving. He is completely trustworthy. So...although I am less and less equipped to give one kind of answer, I am more and more equipped to give (and receive) answers of another kind.