Lord, I have aspired to greater responsibility and the possible leadership of a great enterprise. I have been well mentored. My knowledge of the market and our organization has positioned me to be a worthy contender to eventually become chief executive. I have experienced the dwindling number of candidates for this prize as the performance of our different entities has grown or waned. My relationships both internally and externally, my board relationships have been good. It has become evident to me that I am not the one, that others will move forward; and I have plateaued. It is a very harsh reality to me. My progress toward this final goal has defined me. It has been part of how I have thought about myself and how others have thought of me.
What’s next? Will I be bitter and feel recriminations toward those who have “promised” great things for me? Those who have told me to be patient; that it will come. I am fortunate enough to retire if I like. I could put my name out there for other chief executive positions. I could just finish out my working days here. What are you telling me in this experience? Do you have something in mind for me outside the milieu in which I have grown up? Is there a place, a position, a challenge, where I can do what most needs to be done? Help me to reflect on it, to grow out of this experience and be magnanimous to those who are still in the running for CEO while I find my place for the future.
Section 2: Scripture: Isaias 40:22-31; Philippians 4:7-9:11-13
| Hebrew Scripture | New Testament |
| The one who is enthroned above the vault of the earth,
its inhabitants like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a veil and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in, 23 Who brings princes to nought and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing. 24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely their stem rooted in the earth, When he breathes upon them and they wither, and the storm wind carries them away like straw. 25 To whom can you liken me as an equal? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high and see who created these: He leads out their army and numbers them, calling them all by name. By his great might and the strength of his power not one of them is missing! 27 Why, O Jacob, do you say, and declare, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”? 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is God from of old, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. 29 He gives power to the faint, abundant strength to the weak. 30 Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, 31 They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. Isaias 40:22-31 |
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. 7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. … for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient. 12 I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things, I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.13 I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. Philippian 4:7-9;11-13
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Section 3
You may wish to be silent for a few minutes. Listen and discern.
Section 4
In your own words, in your own silence, speak with God.