So the cat’s out of the bag.
Some of you know that I’ve recently begun to transition out of my current position as Middle School Youth Pastor at Smyrna Assembly.
The #1 question I get from folks who’ve just heard the news is “So, where are you going?” Honestly, I don’t know. I know it’s ministry. But I don’t know where or when or how.
God told me when to begin attending Smyrna Assembly 4 years ago. And, now He’s told me to move on and …that’s it. I’m being obedient though I don’t know what step is next.
I’m not sure which door to walk through but I know I need to start walking now. Hopefully, I’m in good company with other believers who have moved forward in faith being sure of what was hoped for and certain of what they could not see.
Erwin McManus writes about finding the certainty in life’s uncertainty in his book, Seizing Your Devine Moment. He reminds us that making life’s big or small decisions in obediance to God means that the outcome may be uncertain (Will I be awarded this promotion? Will forgiving her/him mend our relationship?). But our God is certain. WHO HE IS AND THE FACT THAT HE IS THERE IS CERTAIN.
While making this transition away from one church position and into…that next adventure that He has prepared, I’ve learned to stop asking “What is God’s will for my life?” When I’ve asked that question in the past, the focus has always been “my life” and not “His will”.
Instead, I will ask “How can my life be given to advance His will on the Earth?”
My wife and I would really appreciate your prayers and any words of advice, encouragement, or wisdom you would offer.
Wow. Thanks for the encouragement, Shane. It’s good to hear from someone who is in the same boat, so to speak. Maybe we should connect in the real world soon since you’re in Nashville now. I’d love to hear what the Church is like in Ireland and what God has you doing with your website currently.
By: Aaron Shaver on May 10, 2010
at 2:19 PM
Aaron – just read your post and am now following you on Twitter . . .
As a continual sojourner with God across three states, three countries and multiple roles I encourage you to trust in God’s irrefutable goodness toward you, your wife and your soon-to-arrive child. at it’s core, that is what love is . . always working for the good of another and that is what God does on our behalf. It’s not a promise for smooth sailing but for character formation and intimacy with our Daddy.
Over the course of the past year God has been reminding me to focus on the reality that He is god right to the core of His being – who he is. If He is good and loves us (always working for our good), then we can unequivocally entrust ourselves and our loved ones to His good care of us.
After 11 years living in the UK & Ireland God has invited my wife and I, along with our 3 children, to follow His lead to Nashville and offer ourselves to serve Him by serving Creatives (see website). God will make your path clear too as I’m sure you know. I’ve been extremely challenged and inspired by Isaiah 41:10 & 20 from the Message. Hebrews 11 has also been my playbook for moving into the unknown with God in the lead.
Be encouraged brother – the best is yet to come!
By: Shane Tucker on May 10, 2010
at 8:44 AM
You are wise beyond your years my friend and I say that from someone who took years to understand the truth in your current perspective. Walking with God is just that, a walk. It is stepping when and where He leads. When and ONLY when He leads.
It is having 100% confidence in that next step – and allowing the peace and joy that holds – while having nothing but faith about the 2nd step.
You are walking that out and we rejoice with you. Rejoice for the truth we see revealed in the process and rejoice for the place He is leading you both too. Can’t WAIT!
By: Steve Grossman on April 21, 2010
at 9:37 PM
Aaron, you are a model for walking obedience to the direction of God. I respect you and while I’m sad to see you go, I trust God in you and I can’t wait to find out what God has for you next.
By: Bryan Entzminger on April 20, 2010
at 10:27 PM
Aaron, last week on April 13th my world also went in a new direction. I was part of a reduction in force and find myself living the same adventure you are living. Your words mirror my thoughts almost exactly. In fact this statement could have been posted on my twitter account in this exact way had I been up to making a post on the topic “I will ask “How can my life be given to advance His will on the Earth?” Good post and I think the right approach to finding God’s plan for your life.
By: Barry Werner on April 20, 2010
at 6:49 PM
I love this part: “I’m not sure which door to walk through but I know I need to start walking now.”
That’s awesome that even though you may not know where you’re going, you’re trusting that God’s not just going to leave you hanging without any direction or understanding.
And that’s so true about how we get caught up in God’s will for “my life” when He’s got a much bigger idea in store for us than we could ever come up with on our own.
Praying for you guys man!
By: Andy Whisenant on April 20, 2010
at 4:26 PM
Thanks! I appreciate your thoughts, Andy.
We need to meet in real-life soon. Or, as other bloggers like to say, we should meet “offline”.
By: Aaron Shaver on April 20, 2010
at 4:44 PM
Hello Brother-In-Law
Evan and I are praying for you and Elaina and Caius. It’s always been my experience that however frustrating waiting and leaning into God may be, that what is on the other side is more than we could have asked for. The main thing to remember is that God PROMISES that he will provide for his children – just like you read at our wedding: “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)
I have no doubts that as you and Elaina remain faithful, so will he.
Love you two!
By: Rachel on April 20, 2010
at 4:16 PM
Thanks Sister-In-Law!
I think that verse from Deuteronomy is going to become my life-verse. It just says so much.
By: Aaron Shaver on April 20, 2010
at 4:42 PM
Wow, Aaron. I don’t know how He has told you that you need to move on, but when God tells you something like that, you’d better listen! It must be very difficult to prepare your family to uproot, with only uncertainty ahead, but Hashem does seem to ask that of his faithful more often than you’d think, doesn’t He?
I applaud your submission, humility, conviction and determination. I will pray that He give you wisdom. And if you by any chance find yourself called to NYC, let me know 
By: Matthew Gregory Davis on April 20, 2010
at 3:54 PM
Thanks for you words of support, Matt.
And, maybe Elaina and I need to make a quick trip to the NYC regardless.
By: Aaron Shaver on April 20, 2010
at 4:40 PM