Back in the early 80′s when I was battling to bring a very traditional denominational church into the 19th century (some subtle humor there!), within a twelve months period I was approached by a solid dozen chuerches that were in the same denomination, asking me to consider filling their vacancy for a pastor.

One of those requests came in the form of a highly respected ageing pastor arriving unannounced on our doorstep in the north east of Scotland to say God told him in a dream that I was the man to replace him following his imminent retirement. He had established a good, strong church near London and while succeeding him would have been a daunting task, the problem was that God may have confided in him, but He hadn’t said a word to me! I declined.

Today I happened upon the website of another church that actively pursued me and for a moment I went cold as I thought, “What if I had accepted that invitation?”

But I didn’t. I didn’t respond positively to the approach from a church in a North Wales beach resort either or any of the others.

My approach to pursuing the difficult task in Scotland was one Robert Kennedy would have been proud of – Some see things the way they are and ask Why? Others see things the way they could be and ask Why not? So I stayed where I was and pressed against tremendous opposition to implement the vision God had given me.

There is no doubt that decisions I made then affected where I am today.

Staying in Scotland I came to meet someone who was instrumental in me being invited to preach in the USA. Here I met another person who invited me to visit Long Island. And the rest, as they say, is history.

It also affected who I am. Back then I established the fact that I don’t take the easy way out. I don’t run. And I’m not afraid of opposition. I’ll press forward with God’s plans through hell and high water.

Having settled all those issues, life is good, so I’d rather not think about “What if?”