Withdraw and Pray

Dear Pastors

Withdraw and Pray

As it is my first blog for 2022, I want to wish you a happy new year.

But to be honest it feels a little awkward saying ‘happy’. Here we are at the start of a new year still deep in a global pandemic for the third year in a row. The impact the pandemic has had and is having on local churches is tough to say the least. Most every pastor I have talked to throughout January is saying the same. People have left, income is down. And that is after most pastors have had the riot act read to them many times late last year and into this year about their decision to go with a Vax Pass Service on Sunday mornings. So happy….. not so sure?

I was talking to a businessman earlier this week who faithfully attends a local church and said neither he or his family are going anywhere near any church for at least a month as he can’t afford to self-isolate should he or his wife and kids end up being a close contact in a place of interest. So happy…..not so sure?

One of my sons was at his home church family Christmas event on the 19 December. It was a non vax pass event in Orange setting. There were under 50 people there. So within the rules. Unfortunately 28 people who attended that event contracted Delta including his three children (my grandchildren) ages 5, 4 and 2. Initially he was told by the DHB they had to self-isolate for 24 days. Fortunately his case was reviewed and the time was shortened to 16 days. That meant he and his wife and kids couldn’t do a whole lot of things over Christmas including attending our Vink family Christmas bash. So happy…….no not really.

Perhaps a better greeting might be, ‘Have a joy filled new year’ or ‘stay the course’ or ‘this too will pass’ or ‘God has got this’.

Can I share one simple thought with you today.

“But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer”. Luke 5:16

This verse is found immediately after it is recorded that Jesus was busy…..very busy. And it appears not only busy but under pressure to do more and more and more and more. It is completely counter-intuitive to withdraw and pray when we are under the pump. The natural inclination is to work harder and generally ramp up the revs. Today my friends may I encourage you to schedule withdrawal and prayer into your work week, perhaps into each day.

As you still your mind and centre your thoughts on Jesus and as you pray about the problems and challenges of your day and your context we know that He will speak AND He will minister life into your soul.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls”. Matthew 11:28-29

Finally, as someone who has the privilege to write to you each week I am praying that my thoughts and reflections this year will be a blessing to you. My goal in writing this letter (blog) on Thursday’s of each week is to encourage you, to strengthen you, to inspire you and hopefully give you something to think about. That said I would be ever so grateful if you have any topic ideas that you would like me (or one of my guest writers) to reflect on then please drop me a note. As always your feedback is welcome so please ignore the no-reply in the address bar and hit reply (we are trying to fix this anomaly). Thanks.

Blessings
Alan

Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.