In April of 2013 we actively began searching for a new place to grow spiritually. After visiting church after church, we finally visited one which we both liked. After about 1-2 Sundays we decided to actively join the church. We joined the church rather quickly, and based on what WE wanted. Now i won't say we weren't meant to serve there because really we learned about ministry in a way we never imagined, and I thank God for that season in our lives. However the Lord began to separately reveal things to the both of us and made it clear that it was time for us to move on. When God showed us both this we obeyed quickly and left the church. People didn't understand, told us we were crazy, said we must have been offended, were having marriage issues or something of that like. But you see the things that the Lord tells you to do won't always make sense to those around you, saved or unsaved.
Now if I can be real, leaving the church was not easy for me, not because of the church itself but because I was comfortable. I was comfortable with going to church Sunday after Sunday even if I didn't feel fed, even if I didn't feel loved, even if I didn't grow. I had realized that the things we feel comfortable doing or being in may not be where the Lord wants us. You see following Jesus isn't comfortable, but we have comfort in him. During this time of being uncomfortable the Lord allowed and taught me how to have comfort in him.
You see during this season I've learned some very important things. The thing that I found uncomfortable God used to help build my faith in him.
Some things I learned:
1.) When the Lord tells you something, obey quickly.--You see often times, the Lord is protecting us from things we do not see. We might be so busy questioning God that we end up falling into the same thing that he was trying to save us from. You see we need to stop figuring everything out before we obey the Lord, just OBEY!!
1 Samuel 15:22b KJV
...Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
...Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
2.) Trust God through the process.--If I can be honest, I mean totally honest, there were days when we would visit churches and I would leave confused, frustrated, and plain lost. During this time I had to realize to trust God, if God told us something, I have to trust that he will provide. I also have to trust that in due time would give us the instruction of where to go.
Proverbs 3:5 KJV
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
3.) Have patience--Paticence is key. I have learned to be patient in this time. I will be honest in saying it has not always been this way. At first I was frustrated, I just wanted a church home, so bad to the point that I was willing to settle anywhere. In this time I had to be reminded that it can take time!! One thing my husband has told me multiple times during this process is its like a relationship, you have to date and get to know someone before you just jump up and marry them. I have learned this thing takes time, and I have learned to rest and trust God in this process.
4.) Pray--Last but not least pray, pray, pray. Prayer is our way to directly communicate with the Lord. Finding a church home is a very major decision. The ministry you join is to help grow not hinder your walk with the Lord. You don't want to walk and join a church that doesn't even challenge you in your walk. I have learned to pray and ask the Lord where can I be fed and grow spiritually Lord show me.
Romans 12:12 KJV
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
I have learned so much in this season, and the Lord has been truly faithful. This season has literally taught me to depend on the Lord. I have learned that looking for a church home is not meant to be a single decision made by me and my husband alone, but that the Lords decision is our decision. I have learned to trust God, I have learned patience, I have learned resting. It wasn't until I stopped trying to lead myself and figure it out on my own that God could lead and guide me. Two people can't drive one car. So I let go of the wheel, I let him drive, and I am sitting back enjoying the ride.
So I write this to encourage you, if God is leading you to do anything, don't look for the approval of those around you but look for the approval of the Lord. If he says go, go if he says stay, stay, whatever he says to do, do it. Trust God, and ask him to lead and clearly guide you. God is a present help, let him help you. Don't lose hope or faith, God is with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. And remember if God brought you to it he can bring you through it.
I will be sharing more on this journey along the way. The Lord has lead my husband and I to an amazing place of fellowship. We are every Sunday visitors for the time being. Will this be our church home? Only the Lord knows, but we are resting and trusting him. We ask for & appreciate prayer for us in this journey!
Until next time....God bless you,
Tamika
