“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

As I sit to write this article out, I am waiting to leave the church building to go give a presentation to the New Church Development Committee and to request funding for the proposed new church start here in the west Parker/east Lone Tree area. If successful, it means I get to stay in the Parker area for the foreseeable future. If not, it means Bishop Elaine will likely move me to another church in another place in the next year or two. So you can understand that it is a big day and I have every right to be anxious!

The funny thing is, though, I’m not anxious at all. I know that if my leading this new church is God’s will for me, he will make the paths straight. And if God has other plans for me, he will straighten a different path. That’s not to say that either way will just be easy. A lot of hard work is ahead in either direction. But knowing that I can trust God with all my heart, and knowing God’s promises not to forsake us or leave us alone, I can persevere in whatever he direction he leads. I just have to take his hand and follow.

I am amazed how freeing it can be to turn over the control to God – the God who knows all things, sustains all of creation, and who loves us as His own children. My continuing prayer for each of us individually, and for our church as a whole, is that we will continue to grow in our trust in the Lord, knowing that he will provide and guide our steps. I pray that we continue to seek out his will for our lives, and that we continue to follow Him wherever He may lead. God bless!

Rev. Pat Bell

Associate Pastor, PUMC