Chuck Bridges Blog

Isn’t it amazing how rapidly the world changes from one season to the next? Even though we are still in a very hot, humid time of year, everything is progressively moving towards the Fall season. Most new growth has peaked and will be sustained for several weeks and then start the process of resting for a time. While I am certainly not a Botanist, God’s creation intrigues me and continues to amaze me.

Our lives also go through different seasons. Just like we can’t imagine cool Fall mornings and evenings right now, it may be hard to recognize the changes God is getting ready to reveal in our lives. What bothers me the most is not recognizing a significant Seasonal change until it is already well in motion. My inability to read the guages God has placed in my life lead to times of anxiety — that have no reasonable explanation. Then, when I finally take some time just to get away from daily routines, schedule requirements, ministry opportunities, etc. I SEE clearly what was a complete mystery to me while in the “trenches” of ministry.

If you are scratching your head wondering what I am talking about don’t worry, you are not the crazy one; It is the author of this blog. Having been in formal, local church ministry for over 20 years (17 of those as a Senior Pastor), I have experienced these “Seasons of Change” and the anxiety that accompanies them many times. It is funny how when I finally take some time away (like I am doing right now), my thoughts become clearer and the “valley” I’ve been living in is so obvious it is amusing. (of course the smiles come long after the tears dry up) Then I promise myself, God, and my family that I am going to take regular times away to refocus, refill, and get pumped about ministry in the local church again. Unfortunately, I don’t do a good job of following through. Will I do better? For all of our sakes, I certainly hope so.

These words came like a refreshment for my soul today: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3) God reminds me today that His Truth can only be received through Revelation. And, that His Revelation only comes when we take the time to “BE STILL” and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). I have to tell you that He is refreshing my soul right now. He is telling me things I did not know. He is restoring my passion to serve in the local church. He has affirmed my calling to serve in Greenville, SC. He is making my heart glad once again!!!! (“He has made me glad, He has made me glad, I will rejoice for He has made me glad” — you should have heard me sing this!)

I will travel back home in a few hours to see my family whom I miss terribly. I am also looking forward to being back at Washington Avenue this week to see my other family whom I also miss! Take my advice, carve out some time just to rest, be alone, hear from God, etc. You will be glad you did.