Monday, July 29, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

Growth Through Change

Proverbs 1:5 "Let the wise hear and increase in learning...."

For more than twenty years, my husband and I have been attending the same church. We believe it is essential to find an awesome church and get deeply rooted in order to GROW spiritually. We have grown greatly in our Christian walks and have made eternal bonds in our church! However, yesterday was our last Sunday as official members. We were released by our Pastor with very mixed emotions...great anticipation over our future yet sadness because we have served in ministry together for two decades.

Our decision to leave was not an easy one. It was made after much prayer and based on the opportunity to join with our daughter and son-in-law as they answer God's call in pioneering a new church. We've always believed that establishing this church was God's perfect will for THEIR lives, but our prayers were based on our desire to always remain in God's perfect will for OUR lives.

Helping plant a church can definitely be viewed as a HUGE step for us since we are approaching retirement. BUT Genesis 12:4 tells us that Abraham was 75 years-old when he departed from Haran to pursue God's plan for his life. Likewise, Moses was 80 years-old when he accepted God's calling to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Both of these men responded to God's call EVEN THOUGH they were in their advanced years.

I recently read that "growth demands the temporary surrender of security." Truthfully, it would have been a lot more comfortable for Abraham, Moses, and for US to remain where we felt secure. Whether it be a new marriage, job opportunity, or season in life, we can potentially miss out on the NEW thing God wants to do in our lives if we focus on the fear that can accompany the new.

I challenge you today that when you are at a crossroads in life, follow the peace that is only found in Him. Isaiah 43:19 assures us that when God calls us, He will provide all we need --- "Behold, I will do something new, Now it will SPRING forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. Be encouraged that there is GROWTH THROUGH CHANGE!

Dear Lord, I ask You to grant me the courage to move forward in Your plans for my life. Please know that my greatest desire is to be used by You even if the NEW THING that You have for me includes significant change.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.