This past weekend I was a part of what I would call a ‘miraculous holy cow’!
First, have you ever signed on to do something that you were uncertain anyone would show up to? Or stepped out in faith and just hoped you didn’t make a fool of yourself?
Well, I did exactly that when I said I would answer a few questions (on video) about my thoughts on my home church and that I would also participate musically in this past Sunday’s two services.
Normally, this wouldn’t sound like a big deal AT ALL. In fact, I’m always one to sign up to sing or talk…they are my favorite things to do!!
However, this past Sunday was different because the church leaders cancelled all regularly scheduled church services on Saturday and Sunday and replaced the normal five services with only two ‘blended’ services at odd times.
Not only was I very unsure how the congregation was going to react to the time changes, but I was also concerned about what folks were going to think about the band, choir, orchestra, youth choir and children’s choir all participating in one service.
I mean, come on, we ARE creatures of habit and even I don’t like people messing with my calendar, much less my kind of music!!!
But, that wasn’t all….
To add to my anxiety and fear, these special services were created specifically to ask the congregation to prayerfully consider funding a $10M new building project…Oh, Lord…we were in for certain doom.
HELLO?!?!?! You want to alter the church time, church music AND ask for money?? Have you lost your mind?
This is where God laughs in my face, shakes His head and wonders why I worry so much when He’s told me over and over again that HE’S GOT THIS.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1Peter 5:7 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
The list of scriptures that tell us not to worry goes on and on and on and on….
Needless to say, I sang to a packed house in both services. The congregation received the message of change and growth with a peace, hope and grace that only God can provide. In fact, they sang along with the band and choirs and even clapped to the beat on several songs that were played.
God showed up and He showed up BIG.
I’m ashamed to say that I was surprised, but I was. I expected a lack of enthusiasm, pessimism and negativity. I guess I expected boo’s and flying tomatoes. (Okay, that would have been just a little funny.)
The sad part is that these were MY worries, doubts and fears and the honest truth is that I’m the one who is scared to step out in faith and give a little more than is comfortable.
Why do I fear when I’ve got a God who truly has me in the palm of His hand?
Well, it’s because I’m human and Satan knows it. Because of this, he gladly whispers in our ears and tells us we should fear…
Failure
Success
Not having enough money, food, clothes, etc.
Death
Injury
Rejection
World War III
Losing a job
Growing old
Tomorrow
Everything
But, God doesn’t want us to fear.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1John 4:18
All too often we talk a big game, but when it comes down to making the play we fail to place our trust in the ONE who is in charge of the game. Hey – God CREATED the game!!!
Obviously, I need to work on my doubts and fears. However, it is very clear to me that I’m surrounded by a loving congregation and a VERY ALMIGHTY GOD!!!
Thank you, Bethany UMC!
What areas in your life need transformation?
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
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