In the beginning…
I’m here to share my story, how God is working in my life, so let’s start with the beginning.
I’ve been in search of a church home for the last three years. Previously I attended a very large church that I loved however now I found myself with a growing little boy that needed something smaller, and honestly so did I. A church that could become an extension of our family, a place close to home where we could be more active yet even if it was close it had to feel right. I attended many different churches over these three years then one Sunday the magic happened, I finally entered the doors of a church that had been calling to me all this time and when the sermon begain I was told to, “stop shopping churches”.
There it was…the message I had been searching for…a place that knew what my struggle was and told me what I needed. It was true, I had been shopping, why would I allow myself to shop for a church like it was a new car? Had I completely lost my focus? My heart pounded that day as I knew this was to be my home however my mind just couldn’t understand. How do you commit to something that you have only been a part of for 1 hour? I struggled as the alter call was simply to obey what God was telling me to do…yet I continued to feel a need to be in control. I just wasn’t ready to hand my struggle to God even though he was reaching out to take it…
Maybe you know the feeling…it’s time to publicly confess your love of God but you’re physically paralyzed with a trembling heart…don’t worry…God isn’t finished with us yet.
Still shopping…
The next Sunday came and I thought…maybe I should try just one more church so I’m sure before I commit. Maybe it wasn’t God talking to me but just me in a desperate search to belong, so I went to yet another church…still shopping.
As the music began I felt nothing but anxiety. How could I have questioned this? Why could I not trust what I was hearing? What do I do now? I can’t stay here, I belong down the road. I’ve got to get out of here…okay…I get it…please forgive me and take control. The hairs on my head are numbered, I will have faith and obey.
That someone was me
I returned to the church I had been called to join sure in my heart and mind this is where I belong however God had heard my thoughts the week before and was there to let me know. He knew my excuse for not joining, how could I commit to something I had only known for an hour, that day he spoke to me. The pastor began his sermon and abruptly strayed going into details of his personal life and how he came to know God. The struggles he has faced as a sinner just like me, “now I don’t know who that was for but God put that in my heart to tell someone here today”, he said. That someone was me.
The alter call that day was one I’ll never forget. I stood at my seat trembling, knowing it was time to be bold. I stepped forward, stated that I wanted to obey what God was telling me, and left with a peace like no other.
Maybe it is time for you to find peace…be bold.
