Called by God

I’m ready to go back.

Last June I retired from being a United Methodist pastor. I was a bit surprised when God led me in that direction.

Sure, I knew there was a second calling on my life, to be a Christian novelist. For five years that calling and the earlier one, to be a pastor, had coexisted. Now I would retire from the first calling.

I have continued to write during this past year. I just published Charlotte’s Nest and have begun writing Loose Ends. God has called me back, now, into the pastorate.

I am eager to get back to that work. Am I different now? Definitely. I have a renewed desire to preach, to save souls, and to lead a congregation into a deeper relationship with God. I deeply miss serving Communion. God has shown me how to live a blessed life. His way works! I want to share this good news, this way of life I’ve found.

Not everyone gets a break from the profession God has called them into. This year has been quite a gift, and I’m extremely thankful.

The greatest gift is that I actually hear from God. He lives! Hallelujah!