Yesterday was a landmark day at our church. I had the pleasure of working on our pastor search committee, and after 18 months, our church voted a resounding "yes" for our new pastor, John Mark Harrison. Yipppeeee! He is an amazing, godly man, and I am joyfully anticipating years of service alongside John Mark and his family.
As I rejoiced, I also buckled my seat belt, because I know that the hard part is just beginning. It's the part when everyone adjusts to a new normal and inevitable change. I've been through this before, and I've watched the ugly that gets boiled up in change. God is in control, but He's about to turn up His refining heat.
During my James study this morning, Beth Moore wrote words that spoke comfort to my heart in both my church situation and a personal mess I'm in. I hope this gives hope to you in your walk today:
"I heard a pastor say that real church is messy, and if we were doing the gospel according to the Book of Acts, congregations could be considerably less lovely....Occasionally, I look in the mirror and think, 'If I'm as good as God gets, we are in serious woe.' We miscalculate actions and reactions sometimes. Sometimes we mean well and things don't turn out well. And still, God gets it done. He alone could have such faith in His indwelling Spirit to entrust humanity with the torch of the gospel. Maybe we were never meant to arrive at our destinations unblistered." ~Beth Moore
This morning I feel the pain of blisters that are at least partially self-inflicted. I'm encouraged, however, that these might be the scars left from God's refining fires. My hope is firmly in my Redeemer.
As I rejoiced, I also buckled my seat belt, because I know that the hard part is just beginning. It's the part when everyone adjusts to a new normal and inevitable change. I've been through this before, and I've watched the ugly that gets boiled up in change. God is in control, but He's about to turn up His refining heat.
During my James study this morning, Beth Moore wrote words that spoke comfort to my heart in both my church situation and a personal mess I'm in. I hope this gives hope to you in your walk today:
"I heard a pastor say that real church is messy, and if we were doing the gospel according to the Book of Acts, congregations could be considerably less lovely....Occasionally, I look in the mirror and think, 'If I'm as good as God gets, we are in serious woe.' We miscalculate actions and reactions sometimes. Sometimes we mean well and things don't turn out well. And still, God gets it done. He alone could have such faith in His indwelling Spirit to entrust humanity with the torch of the gospel. Maybe we were never meant to arrive at our destinations unblistered." ~Beth Moore
This morning I feel the pain of blisters that are at least partially self-inflicted. I'm encouraged, however, that these might be the scars left from God's refining fires. My hope is firmly in my Redeemer.
Posts
2 comments:
Sometimes I feel like I have blisters all over my body! :) But I, too, am so blessed and humbled that Jesus has allowed me to be a carrier of the message of His love and faithfulness.
Amy, you were my speaking session leader at She Speaks two years ago and were such an encouragement to me. I am registered for She Speaks this year and look forward to seeing you there!
Oh yes, He is the great redeemer!!
I'm so happy for ABC!!!! I'm praying for the transition. :)
I miss you!!
Oh, and did you know that our new writers group member, Meredith, is going to She Speaks??? Cool! She is precious.
Post a Comment