1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
I had been struggling for months as to what was being asked of me. I knew but I did not want to face it. Then a Scottish evangelist came and spoke in church one Sunday and I heard the Word of the Lord in his sermon.
“You can stay here and be miserable or you can obey me and leave.”
It was my first call to move on. I met with the pastor and explained myself and what I had heard of the Lord. It was not until years later that I found out that the pastor did not share this information with anyone. He didn’t set up a farewell, he didn’t gather the saints around me to pray over my protection for the next calling in my life. He just let me go, as if I didn’t matter.
Recently I’ve looked around and missed the presence of friends. They are younger than me and I am not in a pastoral position and I have no idea what happened. I called and found out what happened. They too were called to move and were not clear as to what would happen next, only that they feel that they are obeying God.
Then there are the “others” those who feel like they want to move on. They have heavy baggage and no matter our efforts to be loving and gracious, they will not unburden themselves from their baggage. These will sooner or later become burdensome elsewhere, blaming others and claiming not to be loved because we will not help them carry their burdens.
Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
While Jesus was speaking of the scribes and Pharisees the attitudes and behaviors can be found in many who look to us to do for them that which they will not do for themselves. It is their baggage and the source of help is first and foremost the Lord. How can any of us expect help from another if we refuse to take it first to the Lord?
Psalm 23:1-2 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He, the Lord, does that.
WOW, what a message. It made me bow my head in thankfulness for the Lord leading us to New Venture Christian Fellowship. I have been privileged to be in the prayer group, and the pastors are the most sensitive to prayer needs I have ever seen. All the pastors meet every day, before the days duties and pray over every known need of the church. Then on Wednesday evening a group of us all get together to pray for specific needs. This is a group of Christians who is are truly Spiritually ALIVE. The motto of the church ” Love like Jesus loves”!! and they DO!!!
Speaking about praying, I am truly blessed to get the Solid Rock website and have the privilege of praying for the dear ones on the prayer list. Don Hooker with ALS and now a stroke has been a real prayer burden to me.
It is so peaceful to just follow our Lord’s leading. Your Psalm 23 :1&2 is so appropriate. Thank you for your great post today.