Today is the second day of a pastor’s conference that we are leading in Viile Tecii. Things have definitely not gone as planned. Several pastors walked out in the middle of the session yesterday. There has been huge resistance and disagreement with regards to the idea of a woman teaching these men. There have been issues of pride. I sense that these pastors have great Biblical knowledge, but not much understanding. These pastors are bound by chains of legalism and religion that have existed in this area for generations. These are chains that are not easily broken. In fact, it is impossible for these chains to be broken except by God’s power.
In spite of these issues, I love these pastors. I want so badly for them to walk in spiritual maturity and freedom in Christ. However, God has been reinforcing in my mind just how incapable I am of changing these men’s hearts. The Holy Spirit is the only one who can change hearts. At one time, I would have been frustrated by the turn of events in this conference and by the hardness of hearts. And in one sense, I am frustrated. I am frustrated and angry at the power Satan has over these men and how he has hardened hearts and stopped up ears. However, two words keep ringing in my ears:
But God….
I cannot change hearts, but God can. He is bigger and mightier than any work of the Enemy. I believe that the Holy Spirit is working at this pastor’s conference in spite of the changes we have had to make. What is important to keep in mind is that while our plans have changed, God’s plans and will have not. The Holy Spirit is working in the lives of these men. I am fully confident that they will hear exactly what God desires for them to hear.
Interrupted plans indeed.
No problem for God.
