In Christ Alone

So, today was my last day at our church. Well, we certainly plan to visit often, but I move on Friday. With my son and daughter-in-law being our pastors and the bond we have with this church family, saying good bye certainly wasn't easy. Thursday it's good bye to my work family of over 30 years... though this process is exiting, it's also difficult and hard to understand what God is up to. We have absolutely no doubt that we're in the center of His will... He's made each miracle in getting to this point perfectly clear that this is the path we are to take... yet... in the midst of all of our prayers being answered for our church and the most incredible season of breakthrough, victory, and growth Redemption Church has ever known, the Lord is transplanting us...

We don't always understand God's plans or timing, but the truth is, we don't have to. It's not about what makes sense to us, but it's all about trust. He never leaves us hanging. As we surrender and pray for His divine direction, He illuminates the path and leads us along the way. There's no need in worrying or questioning His methods because He is the almighty God who created us for His purpose! That alone is so incredible!! Who are we that the God of the Universe would care enough to place us where He knows we will be the most effective for His Kingdom? Wow! I don't know about you, but that makes me want to shout!! There's no point in kicking and screaming, fighting for our own agenda. There's no other place to be, but in the center of His will.

Though the scenery and faces will not be the same, in His presence will still be the place we find contentment. It's not in a 5 minute prayer and a pat on the back of Jesus. Our peace, no matter where we are or what situation we find ourselves in, is directly related to our time spent with Him. Prayer and studying His Word are absolutely necessary, but it's our adoration and worship that takes us to the next level of intimacy. 

Whether we are living in an apartment in Arnold, Mo. or a home near the beach, rich or poor, surrounded by those we love or seemingly all alone...our peace, joy, fulfillment, protection and contentment is found in Christ alone!! Don't look for it anywhere else. The rest is just temporal. 

Take a deep breath, grab ahold of His strong arm and hang on! A life surrendered to Jesus is a wild and amazing ride!

Psalm 8:4-6 (NKJV) What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.

Psalm 91:1-4 (NLT) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord:He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings.His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Psalm 23:1-4 (TPT) The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. He offers a resting place for me in His luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss. That’s where He restores and revives my life. He opens before me pathways to God’s pleasure and leads me along in His footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to His name. Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness,fear will never conquer me, for you already have! You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Your authority is my strength and my peace.The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.