What a difference a year makes

Almost one year ago, my family walked into a church called Faith Alive.  We were new to the Hampton Roads area and had visited about 7 churches so far.  After searching websites for two years, sending out resumes, ordering pastor’s sermons in the mail, and listening to pastors speak online, we were pretty much done.  We had given up on the idea that we would find a church we loved, and we accepted the fact that Matt probably wouldn’t find a job in the ministry, even with 18 years experience.

 

We arrived 45 minutes late, even though we left the house extra early (I liked to sit and watch people come into a church—and get the “vibe” of what the people in a church were like).  There was a massive accident on highway 64, and we sat in traffic. In my entire life, I had never experienced traffic on a Sunday morning! I remember my kids begging to get off the highway and go home.  They were sick of visiting new Sunday school classes and being the “new” kids.  My husband suggested backing up onto the on-ramp and perhaps finding another church to visit.  But I knew that we’d be too late.  I started to cry.  I was so discouraged and wanted so desperately for this church to be “the one.”  My husband sensed my fragile state-of-being, “We’ll get there, don’t worry.” 

 

As we walked into the service, the worship was ending.  Something about the church immediately felt right.  I couldn’t believe that after all the web searching and networking, I had never found this church.  In fact, a neighbor recommended the church to me, and she didn’t even go there.  It was almost like God kept it hidden from us until the time was right. 

 

About 7 weeks later, (I’m skipping many of the details—all God miracles in my opinion!) we were hired as associate pastors.  All of us have blossomed in our new church body, and we finally belonged somewhere.

 

It’s Saturday morning and I’m reflecting on this past year.  You see, tomorrow my husband is preaching in all 3 services, and I am teaching my adult Sunday school class during the first service.  A year ago we walked into this church—nobody knew us and we didn’t know anyone.  Now, God has placed us into positions of influence and we are being used to build his kingdom in Deep Creek, Virginia.

 

This comparison might be a stretch, but my story reminds me of Joseph.  One day he’s in prison, and the next he’s second in command to the most powerful world leader in his time.  God can promote someone overnight when that someone is faithful to him, despite how unlikely the circumstances.  When I think about what God has done for me and my family, I bow my head in awe and wonder.

 

Time to stop reflecting.  I have to get my Sunday school lesson ready for tomorrow.