AWKWARD!

 

I have to admit, I have felt AWKWARD the last 30 days of my life. The people here at SMDCOG have been so welcoming, friendly, loving, inviting, supportive, and I could think of another hundred adjectives to describe the encouragement they have given Stephanie and me. It is a good feeling being appreciated. But, the AWKWARD part is accepting the compliments and the genuine greatfullness for us being here. 

I know this might sound quaint and maybe even contrived, but it is how I feel. I have literally done nothing except follow what God is calling me to do. Stephanie and I feel God has directed everything from January 28th until the present (and really even WAY before that) for us to be here serving this church. I have prayed deeply for every message, every personal contact, every meeting, every moment of my day, that this would NEVER be about me.

Yesterday, the last meeting I had of the day was with a man that I am quickly able to call my friend. He said that he really feels that GOD is at work and that great things are about to happen here within this body of believers. I have to agree with him, I can sense it, specifically, how GOD is working through me. I just PRAY I do NOT get in the way of what GOD IS DOING. AND YES, I am fully capable of making this about ME and MY accomplishments when I truly know it is ABOUT GOD!

All of this came to my mind this morning when I read Philippians 2:1-5:

"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts ender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." (Philippians 2:1-5, NLT)

I am thoroughly amazed at how Christ is using us. We take great encouragement, not for ourselves, but that CHRIST is truly at work, when we here the compliments and kind words. It is only AWKWARD if the people that are sharing those words forget it is NOT about ME, it is about God working through US.

GOD IS AT WORK AT SMDCOG and I am excited to be along for the ride. I am excited to see how he works and I pray that God continues to find it in his grace and mercy to use this broken clay vessel to do his work. I hope everyone who has given me those words of thanksgiving feel that GOD is WORKING THROUGH THEM, just like he is working through Stephanie and I. 

GOD is AT WORK!!!!!!!! NOT BECAUSE OF ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT IN SPITE OF ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am humbled and honored to be able to WATCH has he works in the hearts of HIS PEOPLE!