Daniel Flores Jr.

Every good story has a conflict and resolution. Creation shares the same narrative. Daylight ends with the tension of dusk only to shine again in the morning. And as we’re greeted with the Santa Ana winds of late September, I’m reminded that inevitable, seasonal change is ahead (not to mention high fire danger and red flag warnings). Though the death of winter awaits, the annual pattern resolves in the new growth of spring.

God wrote this same pattern into the story of His Son. His life was filled with both the seasons of wilderness fasting and also festal celebration. The Last Supper gave way to the cup of wrath in the cross. And as He is risen, we anticipate our own fate when the dead in Christ shall rise.

Until that day comes, God writes our story filled with periodic red flag warnings.

The flag signals that change is imminent. It often flies when we are in a spiritual drought, wrought with physical challenges, or stuck in the mud of complacency. It’s a time of conflict that’s part of His plan of sanctification.  It leads to a great resolution: our holiness and preparation for the day of glory.

As we walk through the challenge and even the pain of change, our faith becomes stronger. After the pruning and fire described in John 15, He brings the fruit of His personal glory in us. Perhaps for this reason, James writes to “count it all joy… when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (Jam.1:2-3; ESV)

There have been changes blowing through the Flores household lately.

As it is a year of transition, we have elected to homeschool the boys in order to give them some consistency and allow for us to move more readily should God call us in the midst of the academic calendar. Christian is in fourth grade and Jonathan is in first (At the age of two, Evangeline thinks she’s in high school.) They are enrolled in a public charter school that supplies curriculum, technology, an extra-curricular budget, and a credentialed teacher to keep them up to common core standards. Though it’s challenging, Jolene is adjusting and is an excellent teacher (Christian agrees.) It’s also been helpful that I’m working full-time in a couple of local school districts as a substitute teacher. I’m able to see firsthand where students should be relative to educational standards. Needless to say, our boys have already taken a couple of field trips and are planning to enroll in music classes with the extra-curricular budget.

I’m still actively searching for the next ministry to serve as a lead pastor. The month of October is already booked with a couple of trips to preach in Northern California. There are a couple of search teams praying and considering if they will call us to shepherd their church. Thank you for praying for wisdom and insight for everyone involved! The book of James goes on to say in verse 5 of chapter 1 that ‘God gives wisdom generously to all who ask.’

God is faithful and He is good. For His name’s sake He brings us through each season in due time. To Him be the glory! Although, I’m still learning how to find joy in red flags.