Last night when I set my alarm early, I expected to get up leisurely and garden before getting ready for church. As I discussed this plan with myself, I think I might have even tacked a "Of course, Lord willing" to the end of it. But isn't it funny how when He's willing something else, suddenly it's not "of course Lord willing"? And so when I found myself in a late-to-church-induced panic, with a severe case of bedhead, and completely unable to match, I comforted myself with the idea of studying John. I may have been robbed of my morning gardening, but I still had this! Since this is the all-confiding blog, I'll be completely honest and say that my personal devotions haven't "amounted" to anything for the past while. I haven't...felt the Word burning in my heart or been excited to spend time alone in His presence. This past while, I've worshiped God by doing the actions and praying for Him to change my heart. But nearly every Sunday, I have felt His presence through studying His word and worship. It's a gift. And one I wasn't to have this morning!
All sunday school classes combined together to hear our guest speaker, who was representing the CBA (Conservative Baptist Association). Which, let's face it, doesn't sound quite as awesome as a missionary speaker from Ireland or Indonesia. And while sunday school was mostly interesting, I went into the worship service expecting our speaker to rehash what he had just said in more words and with more meaningful pauses.
Instead, the subject was on the unity in the church. As we looked at various passages referring to community in the Body, this not-missionary-sunday-school-robber really spoke to me. With the new college stress of sitting in a different pew each sunday fresh on my mind, this was such an important reminder that I've already known for years but have forgotten. I am not alone. Like Elijah, there are seven thousand reserves somewhere who have not bowed the knee to baal. There is only one Body of Christ! I am not wandering into an unfamiliar church, I'm returning home. And I can't allow the differences, the forced smiles, and the sensation of being "out of place" to prevent me from being the other end of mutual encouragement.
I was touched by a similar thought the week before in SS, when studying how Jesus healed the Centurion's child long-distance. As a Mom, it was comforting to recognize that distance and miles mean nothing in terms of
ReplyDeleteGod's presence, healing, protection. . . when I pray for you, He is just as easily instantly present with you in Mishawaka as when I pray for you from my bedroom to yours. . . never alone, and in Him, never away from home!
This all seems so silly after attending Spanish church every week. It's funny the things that seem SO big to us at different times in our lives and then the more aware we become of God's presence, the less the other stuff matters.
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