Praying step by step

Staff meeting is always something that I look forward to... as odd as that sounds.  We have an awesome team, and leading leaders is something that I think I've grown in to over the years.  (Props to the team at FBC Smyrna)  Anyway, we spent some time yesterday morning thinking through the economy and its impact on our community and how we can respond as a church.  Obviously, we will also be impacted by the economic turmoil of the day.  As we concluded our discussion and clarified our purposes individually and ministry areas, we divided into two teams and prayed/walked through several blocks of downtown Franklin.  As we gathered back in the office, it was amazing to hear the comments of our staff.  We had prayed that God would let us see our community (we should all pray that prayer every day) as He sees it, and the "walk" helped each of us in that area. 

As I turned a corner during my walk, I saw one of my favorite sites in all of Franklin.  The HUGE Oak tree at the corner of Bridge and Hillsboro was a reminder that God is forever.  That tree has stood at the corner for several hundred years.  It has withstood storms, pollution, auto accidents, insect attacks, etc.  And still it stands.  God has not been taken by surprise by our current economy.  God is not threatened by our questions.  God is God and He will continue to be faithful.  He will stand.   The other interesting observation came as I looked past the tree... the street sign at the corner, just behind the tree is Bridge Street.  We have a huge responsibility AND opportunity to direct people to the one is THE bridge to God.  Christ makes a way for us to embrace and be embraced by God our Father and Creator.  Christ is the bridge that spans the depth and width of our sin to connect us with mystery of God's love.  

When have you walked and prayed through your neighborhood?  I hope you will take the challenge that our staff has accepted to walk and pray.  Ask God to "give you eyes" to see things the way He sees them.  I think you will be surprised at what you see.