Directing our Disruption

 

This week we had the absolute joy of going on retreat and sharing with other ministers in the Salvation Army working across the North West of England. For us it was a wonderful time of affirmation and allowed time for the spirit to minister to us through teaching, challenge and healing. 

While at breakfast one morning, we were sharing with someone about some of the challenges we have faced in the past couple of years and how God has been faithful throughout it all, and they made a comment that has been percolating in my spirit ever since. They said that in times of difficulty “God has a way of directing the disruption” The phrase hit me like a ton of bricks! The more I thought of it, the more I could see this principle at work in my life. 

The retreat we were attending was due to have a guest speaker who had to pull out three days before the event due to ill health. I can only imagine the disruption that ensued as our leaders tried to bring it all together. However we saw that God had directed the disruption, bringing together a time that met people just where they were, and allowed the holy spirit to bring refreshment and renewing ro those who have worked tirelessly in the disruption of the past couple of years of ministry. 

Looking back on a particularly tough year both in my life and calling, I am beginning to see how God directed the disruption, the hurt, the pain and the disappointment and is weaving it into his story in my life. I have seen how words of hurt have been counteracted with words of encouragement, how frustrated vision has been directed to a place where it is renewed, nurtured and inspired to flourish, and where painful experiences have become wisdom and discernment for the journey ahead. 

This is not a new idea and I am sure some of you might be amused that it was such a profound thought for me! I was reminded of the story in the Gospel when people bring their paralysed friend to Jesus for healing. The series called ‘The chosen’ portrays it so well and can be found HERE In this account we see how Jesus was an expert at directing the disruption in order to bring God glory and to  accomplish his purposes on Earth. This idea is seen time and time again through the scriptures. 

Today, I don’t know what ‘disruption’ you are going through in your own life. You may be facing the disruption of grief, of dreams unfulfilled, of a life that doesn’t quite look like you imagined or a ministry that is challenging and exhausting. Let's face it, the disruption of the past couple of years is something we are all still wrestling with. However, I encourage you to take the time to look and see where God may be directing the disruption. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Knowing this truth doesn’t always make the disruption less disruptive or the pain any less. It may not change what you are going through, but in watching to see where God is directing the disruption we can see his hand at work weaving our mess into the beautiful tapestry of his kingdom here on earth.