Why now?

I've been hearing that question a lot. I've also been asking that question a lot. Our church is going through a change that a lot of people are struggling with - expansion to a new area in uncertain times. "Why now" is the question that seems to be on everyone's mind. Why, when things are so tight and there are so many changes within our church, do we have to add this on top of it? It doesn't make sense. We also have been struggling to find a house. We found one, then lost it. Found a couple of others that we were sure we could make a decision on. We couldn't. The only reason we have for not buying either one is that we don't have a peace about either. They both are great houses; they both are within our price range; they both fit our family perfectly. Yet, we let them go. It doesn't make sense. I think about Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus. How she must have asked those same questions to God. "I've been faithful to you Lord and am engaged to be married Why now?" It doesn't make sense. I think about the disciples as they watched Jesus being crucified. Why now? He has so much to do; he's only just started. It doesn't make sense. Things don't always make sense to us. The elders of our church have been praying about this for years. Doors were closed over and over again - and then they were opened wide. I believe there is a peace among those that are starting this journey. It may not make sense to me, but it makes sense to God. I don't know why we can't get comfortable with these houses. All I know is that Rick and I both feel this way and are continuing to pray about it. God knows the future. It may not make sense to me, but it makes sense to God. Jesus being born of a virgin and suffering so horribly at such a young age. It didn't make any sense to those of the time, but it does to us now, doesn't it? I thank God for all of those "untimely" things that happened centuries ago so that I might have a relationship with the One who created me and loves me. The path of convenience isn't always the road the Lord wants us to take. As a matter of fact, when you look at the people who made the biggest impact on the Kingdom, they took the path of MOST resistance. Their reward on earth was little, if any. But their reward in heaven is great. I don't like to think that the Lord wants me on a rough path. I like my smooth little paved road with white lines and directional signs. It makes me happy. It makes me feel safe. But when that road - no matter how beautiful it may seem ahead, gives me an unsettling feeling, it's time to get off and regroup. For the Lord's peace is our directional sign when everything else seems foggy. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27