A letter from Pam Birkett, Lay Director for Women's Walk #38
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
This verse immediately came to mind as I was asked to be the next Lay Director for Walk 38 in September 2007. I knew that with such a tight time schedule it would not be through my efforts (or my anxieties!) that we would be ready as a team for the Fall Walk. I would have to lean on God for His choosing the team members and pilgrims and rely on the work of the Holy Spirit in preparing us all to be one in Him.
“Preparation precedes blessing”. While of course we are each called to play our own part in being prepared for the journey, and to be willing to give of our time, energy, talents and commitment, the Walk to Emmaus will only make a difference in each person’s life if it’s backed up with prayer. Sometimes we act as if prayer is a waste of time, but without the ministry of prayer, our work is a waste of time. I am so grateful to all the Emmaus Community members and prayer warriors around the world who are committing to pray for this next Women’s Walk #38.
There are only days now before this next Walk and I am so thankful for the hard work of the team members and all those working behind the scenes. It has truly been a team effort that has brought us thus far. This Walk has provided many opportunities for us all to practise perseverance, especially as we have had only a month back in HK (after the long summer break) in which to organise all the team meetings, talk previews, table leaders workshop, supplies, logistics, etc.
As Christians, we are called to persevere in the life of grace, to live a life that seeks God and follows Him, no matter how difficult the circumstances might be. God never promised us an easy or easier life as a Christian. He told us to take up our cross and to follow Him. Perseverance often connotes gritting our teeth and working hard when we would rather give up, but at times we are also called to persevere in “letting go and letting God” when we are more inclined to keep control. God promised that if we trust in Him, lean on Him, and acknowledge Him, He will make our path straight. But He didn’t say that there will not be any bumps on the path! But with His Word as our road map and the Holy Spirit as our compass we can be confident that we will keep on track.
I love the way “The Message” translates Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice on everything you do, everywhere you go;
He’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!”
This is my prayer for each one of us, the team and pilgrims, and Community too, that wherever we are on our Walk we will trust God, not try to figure everything out on our own, not assume that we know it all, but listen for God’s voice and He will keep us all on track.
De colores!
Pam Birkett
Lay Director Walk #38
September 2007
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