Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Big Change
I promised to tell you about some of the changes in my life during this week, and so I'll do that today. If any of you have been reading my regular blog, then you know that I went through a church split over the summer. This has probably been the biggest life changing experience for me in a long while.
It was an extremely hard, frustrating time for me and everyone involved. There were a lot of moments of confusion, heartache, and tears. I saw sides of many people that I didn't know existed, and there are still a lot of unanswered questions. But even through the toughest times, I felt God's presence. I've chosen to forget much of the bad because I want my memories to be filled with all the good.
Beginning a new church with my Pastor and friends has been the greatest experience of my life. I have seen God's divine hand orchestrate things that I never thought would be possible. I am able to look back at situations that took place 4 or 5 years ago and see they have been leading me to this point. I've seen first hand God's love, grace, and mercy. I now know what it means to truly love your enemies and to pray for those that use you. My Pastor and his wife have been the epitome of what a Christian should be.
This is not to make light of my previous church or the wonderful people there. I left behind a great group of friends, that although we don't attend the same church or see each other as regularly as normal, doesn't mean I don't love and cherish them as much as ever. A difference of opinion doesn't have to stop a lifetime of friendship, and I'm glad that for some of us, it hasn't.
As I talk to other A/P's and even read the latest news like the post on Collideoscope, I find my story similar to others. I can't tell you the reason for all the division and movement and shaking. But I do know that God has a plan, and He will take whatever the devil means for bad and turn it into our good.
So if you or anyone you know is the in the middle of church drama, pray and trust God that he will lead your or them in the way to go. And remember that if God leads someone else in a different direction than you, it doesn't mean they are wrong. Perhaps God has a different plan for their life.
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
It was an extremely hard, frustrating time for me and everyone involved. There were a lot of moments of confusion, heartache, and tears. I saw sides of many people that I didn't know existed, and there are still a lot of unanswered questions. But even through the toughest times, I felt God's presence. I've chosen to forget much of the bad because I want my memories to be filled with all the good.
Beginning a new church with my Pastor and friends has been the greatest experience of my life. I have seen God's divine hand orchestrate things that I never thought would be possible. I am able to look back at situations that took place 4 or 5 years ago and see they have been leading me to this point. I've seen first hand God's love, grace, and mercy. I now know what it means to truly love your enemies and to pray for those that use you. My Pastor and his wife have been the epitome of what a Christian should be.
This is not to make light of my previous church or the wonderful people there. I left behind a great group of friends, that although we don't attend the same church or see each other as regularly as normal, doesn't mean I don't love and cherish them as much as ever. A difference of opinion doesn't have to stop a lifetime of friendship, and I'm glad that for some of us, it hasn't.
As I talk to other A/P's and even read the latest news like the post on Collideoscope, I find my story similar to others. I can't tell you the reason for all the division and movement and shaking. But I do know that God has a plan, and He will take whatever the devil means for bad and turn it into our good.
So if you or anyone you know is the in the middle of church drama, pray and trust God that he will lead your or them in the way to go. And remember that if God leads someone else in a different direction than you, it doesn't mean they are wrong. Perhaps God has a different plan for their life.
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
# posted by 99 Blogger @ 11:34 AM 
