A lot has happened in my life since the last post. When I found Jesus two years ago (or when He found me) I got saved and born again at the same time. People may think both of these mean the same thing, but they don't at all-at least not to me. Being saved in my eyes means knowing who Jesus is and understanding that there is a place for me in eternity. Being born again means from that moment on my life will be radically changed. Everything I do will be because of and for God. With every path I take I will (hopefully) be walking in His Will for me. Being born again doesn't mean life will be a breeze or without it's challenges..it just means I am living for something more than just myself. I am living to advance the Kingdom of God. Two years ago when I came to Encounter Christ Church I fell in love with the church, the Pastor, and the amazing people who attended. That church was and IS full of the Holy Ghost, God, and most importantly love fills the church and the people. I learned so much about myself, my relationships, and most importantly I learned about my King. I watched myself grow in the Lord and saw times where I stood at a stand-still awaiting the next level and wondering how to get there. I felt like the people there were my family and for the first time in my life I felt accepted for who I was AND who I wasn't. I saw myself growing closer to God and building that relationship that I had so desperately wanted for 20yrs. ECC was my home and my "safe haven" for being the ON FIRE Christian that I wanted to be. I never wanted to leave. I never wanted to be a part of another church.
However there is one thing that ECC couldn't have taught me and that was change and I never quite imagined what that "change" would be. About 5 months ago that change started to take affect in my spirit. I tried to run from it, ignore it, and anything else in order for it to not be true. The urge in my spirit was that I was supposed to be at another church. What?? Another church? How could that be? ECC has done so much for me, the people have done so much for me, I can't LEAVE them?
Before I continue let me explain something-Being an atheist all my life I had never really had a CHURCH. I had never had a place that just felt right. I had never connected with another Pastor and never even liked church..until I stepped into those doors. So to some people changing churches is just like changing underwear. It's easy. To me it has been one of the most confusing and difficult choices I had to make. That was MY church, my one and only church. I was horrified to think God wanted to me to leave. It's different when you aren't brought up around church.
So, here I am...stuck with this spiritual urge to leave. I started by praying but I soon learned that I wasn't praying right. I was asking God where He wanted me to be. Later, I would soon learn that wasn't what I needed to be asking. I had conversations with leadership at the church and I felt like no one understood me. No one understand the "urge" I had. (The UNWANTED urge that I constantly felt.) After all of these things I finally decided to get in the Word and talk to God. Just talk to Him and tell Him all of my frustrations and concerns. I went into prayer with one question-it wasn't WHERE should I be, but WHY should I be at this new church? I needed reasons..Godly reasons. I needed to know why He was sending me there and what I was going to gain. I hope you don't think I actually got these answers..HAHA. I wish! I only heard two things from God himself. #1: I was born at Encounter Christ Church, but my purpose (at least for this season) isn't there. #2: (The most profound explanation He gave me) Was that I was called to be to this church because I was going to give them something they need in their season, while they allow me to do what I need to do in MY season. Now, I had no idea what that statement REALLY ment and I still don't to tell you the truth. All I know is after months of praying and praying and praying and PRAYING, and after talking to the Pastors and leadership, and anyone else of significance it is time for me to go. God has plans for my life bigger than what I can see. I am still a baby when it comes to being an on-fire Christian, but i've came a long way. I have a powerful testimony behind me and a love for God that is never failing. I am the one who preaches up & down about having faith now it is my time to show a little faith in my Savior.
So, to my ECC peeps-I love you guys! Thank you for 2yrs. of amazing fellowship AND friendship. I know ECC is about to go to another level and I can't wait to see what the new Pastors do! I will be back to visit very often! :)
To my new church family-I am excited to see where we are going!! Whoo hoo!!
Now i'm living by the fact that God blesses obedience and trusting Him more everyday.
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