Evolution
Evolution: A gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form.
That was the word that my pastor had for me and my wife on New Year's Eve at our annual New Year's prayer time. He saw this year as one of growth and change. And seven months later, that it truly has been.
In spite of all the good that God had been doing at Identity over the last 15 months, it now has come to an end, at least for now. As of the ninth of July, we left our church and the new ministry we had birthed. I don't want to go into all the details and choices that we had to make, I may allude to them in days and weeks to come, but suffice to say, we had to make the most difficult choice of our lives. We both worked there, so we're both unemployed at the moment, but God has been very gracious to us and provided through many means to take care of us. We don't know what the future holds, but as the whole hymn says, we know who holds our future and that is who our trust is in.
I have discovered many things on this journey over the last month of our lives, God is truly a trustworthy and loyal and reliable Father. Now I understand why Jesus said, "call no man father, for you have but one Father in heaven." He has truly been that father to us this month.
In the beginning days of this journey, I can tell you there was anger and fear, frustration even with God, because of all that I've seen and heard in the name of Christianity and in ministry. Watching my little 7 year old daughter sob at the news that we wouldn't be returning to the only church she has ever known, was by far the scariest thing I've done as a father. I was afraid of scarring her, but she has been wonderful. She has carried a grace for this transition, in many ways, better than her mother or me.
I am now in a place of trust with Father God like I've never been before. Never knew I had inside of me. Never knew I would reach. I can understand now why He says to not worry. He truly does know what we have need of before we ask of Him.
What of the future? Oh, I know I'm not done in ministry. I also know that Identity was a vision birthed by the heart of God and He is still jealous over the lambs that have been brought to Him through that ministry. I know that there will be something to come, some new dream soon. But now, it is a time to heal. A time to let things rest. But not forever.
If you read this, pray for us, that we would continue to stand in the cover and the glory of God's grace and peace and know His leading. His sheep know His voice and the voice of a stranger they will not follow. Thank you Father for letting me know and hear Your voice.
That was the word that my pastor had for me and my wife on New Year's Eve at our annual New Year's prayer time. He saw this year as one of growth and change. And seven months later, that it truly has been.
In spite of all the good that God had been doing at Identity over the last 15 months, it now has come to an end, at least for now. As of the ninth of July, we left our church and the new ministry we had birthed. I don't want to go into all the details and choices that we had to make, I may allude to them in days and weeks to come, but suffice to say, we had to make the most difficult choice of our lives. We both worked there, so we're both unemployed at the moment, but God has been very gracious to us and provided through many means to take care of us. We don't know what the future holds, but as the whole hymn says, we know who holds our future and that is who our trust is in.
I have discovered many things on this journey over the last month of our lives, God is truly a trustworthy and loyal and reliable Father. Now I understand why Jesus said, "call no man father, for you have but one Father in heaven." He has truly been that father to us this month.
In the beginning days of this journey, I can tell you there was anger and fear, frustration even with God, because of all that I've seen and heard in the name of Christianity and in ministry. Watching my little 7 year old daughter sob at the news that we wouldn't be returning to the only church she has ever known, was by far the scariest thing I've done as a father. I was afraid of scarring her, but she has been wonderful. She has carried a grace for this transition, in many ways, better than her mother or me.
I am now in a place of trust with Father God like I've never been before. Never knew I had inside of me. Never knew I would reach. I can understand now why He says to not worry. He truly does know what we have need of before we ask of Him.
What of the future? Oh, I know I'm not done in ministry. I also know that Identity was a vision birthed by the heart of God and He is still jealous over the lambs that have been brought to Him through that ministry. I know that there will be something to come, some new dream soon. But now, it is a time to heal. A time to let things rest. But not forever.
If you read this, pray for us, that we would continue to stand in the cover and the glory of God's grace and peace and know His leading. His sheep know His voice and the voice of a stranger they will not follow. Thank you Father for letting me know and hear Your voice.
