Looking Back to Move Forward – Terry Nightingale pt 2

Looking Back to Move Forward

Terry Nightingale pt 2

Everyone has setbacks. Sometimes, it seems like we may have more setbacks than others. Sometimes it seems like we are set up for a setback. Amen! But, if you actually look back at the events that seemed like a setback, you were actually being set up for success. God is totally in control and at all times. He is never “out of control.” Despite your circumstances, He is always in control.

There WILL come a point, at some time in the future, when God’s Plan does come to pass in your life. Then you will be able to look back to the famous setback and see how God DID turn it into a set up for where you are now or at that point in time. You will then appreciate how much God loves you and took care of you as He manipulated the path of life you were on, to bring you into a place where He needed you to be at this point in your life. Amen!

Well, my guest today has written a book just on that very topic! Praise God! Terry Nightingale is a pastor down under in Perth, Western Australia. Pastor Terry authors a weekly blog titled, The Best is Yet to Come” which is short messages for busy Christian on the go.

He has just released his first non-fiction book for Christian leaders called, “Looking Back to Move Forward: Embracing Setbacks for Greater Fruitfulness.” In this book, Pastor Terry suggests some intentional reflection on past experiences in the presence of God may just be the key you need to progress into future fruitfulness… Praise God.

In your book, you tell the story of Moses sending out the 12 spies and the bad report they brought back. How does God use that by looking back to move forward?

You also share the story of a time you tried to talk to your pastor about some concerns, but the timing and place you decided to discuss it was not the best. But you pushed forward with the discussion anyway and it caused irreparable harm to your relationship. Looking back, how could you have handled that situation differently?

In your book, how do your recommend people to handle situations like this?

Many times, leaders – and pastors in particular, feel alone. They are expected to have all the answers. They are expected to behave perfectly in every situation. They are expected never do anything wrong – ever! They are expected to be available at the drop of a hat and all of that. How can leaders and pastors handle these kinds of expectations from their followers and not drive people off by making it clear that “they are human, too?”

One of the biggest things leaders, and pastors, have to face is their own disappointments. They wanted to achieve X,Y,Z and didn’t. They wanted to double the size of the congregation in three years, instead it decreased. They wanted to increase the amount of income so they could expand the sanctuary, or whatever, but their goals never materialized. How should they handle those kinds of disappointment?

How important is it for pastors and ministry leaders to have someone they can confide in? I know, most people think the pastor confides in God…but I’m talking about a person who knows what they are going through. How important has that been for you and how do you recommend someone do this as well?

Terry, your book, “Looking Back to Move Forward,” is fascinating. I think everyone needs to get a copy of it. The concepts you share are absolutely spot on. How can someone get a copy of your book? It’s on Amazon, correct?

And you are putting together a podcast as well as you blog site, correct?

Tell us about your blog and what your podcast is about…

I have one more question for you before we close…

Can you tell us about your first Christian novel you wrote? The one that dealt with time travel? That sounds interesting…

Folks, Terry Nightingale has shared with you some insights that, truthfully, apply to everyone, not just those in ministry. These ideas and concepts he has outlined in his book, “Looking Back to Move Forward” can be used, yes by people in the ministry, but also by business leaders others as well. These concepts are rooted in the Word of God and apply to so many situations you, I and others face in life.

I want to encourage you to go down into the show notes and click the link to order a copy of Terry Nightingale’s book, “Looking Back to Move Forward.” In fact, I’d recommend you buy two or three copies! Why? Buy one for your pastor and another friend. If you are a pastor listening to this right now – buy one for each member of your staff. You can all read this book and use it to take your church or your ministry to new levels. Amen!