God, what do you want me to do?

Posted byRyanRiceSrPosted inChurch PlantingTags:, , , , ,

imagesHave you ever been in that place where you needed to hear a word from the Lord?

I’m not talking about just any word, but one that would change the course of your life. That was me in 2008, a man in search of direction and clarity. I knew in my heart there was something more, something the Lord called me to do, but what.

I met with Bro. Jim Clark, one of the presbyters of our church at the time. He gave me this nugget of wisdom, ‘Brother, you need seek the Lord, pray, listen to the Holy Spirit and obey.’ So simple, yet in all my questioning, worrying and leaning on my own understanding, I never actually took time to seek the Lord.

1 Chronicles 22:19 says, “Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God.”

John Piper writes, Seeking the Lord means seeking his presence. Presence is a common translation of the Hebrew word face. Literally, we are to seek his face.

So instead of questioning and worrying, I began seeking to love him, know him and fellowship with Him. Suddenly, seeking a “word” went out the window and the pursuit was on; to be in His presence and enjoy His love.

Days later, while in prayer one morning, I knelt down and said to the Lord. ‘Father, let your will be done in my life.’ In my heart this is what I desired most, His will for my life. As I knelt there at the edge of my sofa the Lord spoke.

I remember the words as if it was yesterday, “I am calling you to New Orleans to plant a church.”

These words resonated deep in my heart and a burden for the people of the city washed over me. I began to weep as I thought of the thousands living and dying without Christ.

Over the next few posts, I want share the journey the Lord has taken me on from 2008 to now. The joys and challenges that came with surrendering to the call of God.

Question: Are you seeking God’s direction for your life, what has he spoken to you?  Have you taken time to seek His face lately?

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Published by RyanRiceSr

Ryan Rice Sr. is a native of New Orleans. After studying Mass Communications and Sociology at Dillard University, he proceeded to utilize his skills for communications by working in Corporate Communications, as well as, Training and Development. After sensing a vocational call to ministry, Ryan went on as a children's pastor at a large multi-campus church in Baton Rouge, La. In 2014, Ryan and his family moved back to New Orleans to plant Connect Church in the community of Algiers, where he grew up. Connect Church is now a multi-cultural, multi-generational church that seeks to glorify God, make disciples, and serve the city of New Orleans. Currently, Ryan is pursuing a MA in Apologetics at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Ryan loves trying new cuisines with his wife of 16 years Seane’ and spending time with his four children: Ryan Jr., Brayden, Reagen, and Bailey.

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