Dear Journey Church Family,
I don’t think I’ve ever done this before but I wonder if you will give me permission to speak freely? Not about my dog, which I apologize for doing Sunday but about the deeper things of my heart. Maybe it’s because it’s Monday or maybe it’s because I’m not feeing very well but to be honest I’m a little discouraged. It’s not anything you did, you are amazing. I love you very much and am so grateful for each and everyone of you and for your love of God and each other. I’m just a little discouraged because there is so much I can’t control. I can’t control who comes to journey and who doesn’t. I can’t control whether they “like us” or whether they don’t. I can’t control whether people understand what we are doing or whether they resent us for doing it. But most soberingly I can’t control whether people will respond to the word of God or reject it. Maybe that’s why I found the following pastor’s blog so encouraging. It’s something someone sent me, someone who lives 2000 miles from Columbus but someone who God laid it on their heart to send to me. God then laid it my heart to send it to you and I hope it will encourage you as much as it encouraged me.
Dear Pastor/Church Leader,
you need to understand a few things about your church service yesterday…
What happened in your church services yesterday was AWESOME.
Yes, “that” service…where all of “that” stuff happened.
The one that MAYBE made you want to quit the ministry.
You’ve been doubting yourself, wondering why you do what you do…praying that people might actually come back next week and beating yourself up over things you should have said…or things you did say that you should not have said.
You are discouraged because you go online and look at other churches and see where hundreds of people are giving their lives to Christ…and you are BEGGING God for that, but you are just not seeing it yet…and are beginning to wonder if God has forgotten you.
BUT…just remember that God has you in a humble place so that He can prosper you (see Job 8:7)…and He has you hidden for the purpose of developing you into someone great (Isaiah 49:2).
He has NOT given up on you…He knows exactly where you are and has called you there “for such a time as this!”
Hold your head up and keep your eyes on Him…He who called you IS faithful.
Sometimes He allows us to see what happens…but most of the time the work He is doing is in their hearts…and that takes time for us to see.
There will be “seasons of fruit” and “seasons of root”…and when you’re not seeing the fruit then its a time for us to focus on the ROOT!
Keep preaching God’s Word and HE WILL honor it (Isaiah 55:8-13), no weapon formed against you will prosper (Isaiah 54:17) and He has GREATER plans for you than you could EVER imagine (Isaiah 49:6!) PerryNoble.com
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4 comments:
Fantastic! What an encouragement! Thanks for following His prompting to share!
Dennis,You know how much Carol,you and as a matter of fact,your whole family has meant to Terri and I and our boys.I am convinced that we would not be the family we are had it not been for the example you and your family have shown how true Christ followers live out their faith.You and your entire family are loved beyond words and your being in our lives is priceless.Love, Carl Roush
I love you my Pastor. You are so enjoyably human but with an obvious divine task. You are not 'untouchable' like many others. Your realness keeps me in your flock and I grow in Christ because of you. That is true success! Thank you!
Denny,
Is it right for me to Minister to the Minister? I hope so, and honestly I do not feel worthy of such, because I really look up to you as a great steward in our Heavenly Father's teachings, as well as a great father, husband, & friend. You inspire me every time I hear you teach or seek your advice. My family keeps coming back and we plan to continue coming back. Don't change a thing. Stand true to your convictions and keep on preaching the Word of God. Have faith in the Father! He will guide you in the things you need to be doing when they need to be done. You are doing a fantastic job. We love you, Carol and the entire George family, even your dog.... Chuckle Chuckle
I'll keep you guessing as to who I am. Just look at every family as if they typed this note, because I know deep in my heart that they all would agree with me.
With Love from you're friend and brother in Jesus Christ,
Me
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