PURPOSEFUL AND INTENTIONAL

I believe the saying goes something like this, “God, (or) the Lord, works/moves in mysterious ways.” It’s often quoted when things work out in odd or unexpected ways.

Many think it’s a verse from the Bible. It ranks up there with, ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’, and ‘the Lord helps those who help themselves.’ But these statements aren’t in the Bible. In fact, when you think about them, they’re kind of cringy. Does God work or move in mysterious ways?

I don’t think so. While I might not always understand what God is doing in the moment, I’m not sure I would say that He was acting mysteriously. I believe that God makes His intentions and His plans very clear in His word. Mysterious? No. Purposeful and intentional? I think so.

One of my favorite verses about who God is comes from Psalm 139:16. It reads, “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” (ESV

This verse reminds me of two thoughts. The first, God is Omniscient. He knows everything. He is Omnipresent. He is outside of our understanding of time and was able to see that which was not yet formed. And, He is Omnipotent. That’s all powerful. Not only does He know all and is ever present, but seeing what was not yet formed, He had the power to make the nothing into something. Me.

Second, nothing escapes the knowledge of God. My days. Every single one of them. From birth to death; each one written in His book. Thus each day, and everything I do in that day, then the next and the next, are purposeful and intentional.

This means no surprises. No skeletons in the closet. No mistakes. Sure, I might have to walk through some difficulties or challenges, but does anything take him by surprise? No

When I look back over my career as a youth pastor/leader, I can see how each new role, and each relocation, worked to prepare me for the next call that God would put before me. Each move was purposeful and intentional.

And now here we are, about to step into a new ministry opportunity. The Higham’s are moving to Ohio!

I have accepted the position of Director of Parenting and Middle School Ministry, with Bay Presbyterian Church (EPC), just west of Cleveland in Bay Village, Ohio. This new role will allow me to partner with parents as they navigate through the milestone moments of life, while also serving as youth pastor to the middle school students.

My time with Bay Presbyterian Church will begin in January 2025. In the meantime, Amy and I, are preparing to make the move to Ohio. We would appreciate your prayers as we wrap up life and ministry in Wheeling, WV, and begin this new and exciting journey in the Cleveland area.

- jay