A People For God:
So Jacob was left alone and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, "Let me go for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
Reflection: He Breaks Us to Make Us
- Describe the times you have wandered from God and how you sensed him relentlessly seeking you?
- How has God broken you physically, emotionally, or spiritually? What was the result?
- God is a good shepherd; thank him for his care for you even when you don’t understand his methods.
The question would be how many
times have I wandered from God? I spent so many years running away; sometimes I
wonder how he caught me. In my adult life, I have been a member of three churches.
I joined the first church because I felt drawn to it. I drove past it many
times on my way to the club and I always thought, one Sunday morning I will go
there. I stopped in, and joined but I didn’t really feel connected. After a
while I just stopped going. I visited the second church on New Year’s Eve with
my family. I visited for a while and then I joined. Most of my family belonged
there. I really enjoyed my experience there. The pastor was quite amazing (and
still is). I just didn’t feel connected. I stopped going and I stayed away from
church for many years. I still read my Bible and listened to my gospel music. I prayed
and all the while I kept telling myself that I needed a church home, but made
excuse after excuse for why I just didn’t fit anywhere. I began visiting
churches. I didn’t say much to anyone because I didn’t want to feel the
pressure to join a church. I prayed and told myself that this time I would wait
on God. There was nothing wrong with any of the churches that I had visited. I
was touched by the most amazing words, sermons and songs. But then something
happened. I had a school assignment where I had to research what a loving
church would look like. Through my research I discovered the United Church of Christ. I discovered what they believed and I
began to see that their beliefs were in line with what I believed. God loves us
all, equally. I realized that the connection was between me and God. Denominationalism is of man; it doesn't matter what church I am a member of. God Reigns over the body of Christ. And He is still speaking. He has a place for us all in his
Kingdom and he will not judge. It is only
when we are still and listening that we can not only hear him,but be obedient
to his message.Thank you, Lord, for being a Shepherd to me and taking care of
me when I did not understand your methods.
Bishop Joseph Warren Walker, III Mt. Zion Baptist Church Nashville TN
Related Readings
Psalms 23: 51:15-17
James 1:2-5
1 Peter 4:12-14
Wow. Thanks for sharing your journey...All I can say is, wow.
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