Nice & Wavy
Well-Known Member
In the midst of it all....never forget that its not about us, but about Jesus..the One in whom we have to do!
By: Amy
Years ago during the midst of a really trying time in our church, I cried out to the Lord in frustration one morning. I had a bargain that I thought sounded like a great idea. "Lord," I said, "I would really like to have You without the church. I mean, wouldn't that be OK? I'm not giving up my faith in You. I just don't want to have anything to do with the church anymore." I was worn out from strife, bickering, and factions. I was confused about the purpose of church and why God would want me to be part of something that was causing so much stress and sleeplessness.
The next thought that I had clearly was not my own, because it was definitely not the answer for which I was longing. "Amy, if someone wanted to be your friend and love you without loving Barry (my husband), how would you feel about that?"
Even though I was starting to have an idea about where this was going, I answered honestly. "Lord, you know that I couldn't have a close relationship with anyone who didn't love my husband, too. Barry is too much a part of me. Anyone who loves me gets Barry as part of the package."
That still, small voice continued, "Amy, the church is my bride. You cannot have me without my bride."
I was stunned. I had never before thought of my relationship with the church in that way. Not only was I to love the church because of God's love for it, but I am also to be part of the church which God calls as His bride.
Hebrews 10:25 says, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." It's not always easy being a member of a church. There are people there, you know? I joke that if I found the perfect church, it wouldn't be perfect anymore the minute I joined! Yes, often church involves the messiness of humanity as much as than the encouragement of divinity.
As I mature, I'm seeing some of that messiness as God's way of growing me up. It forces me to choose between offense or grace, between bitterness or forgiveness and between selfishness or service. When I make the right choices, I become a little more like Him and help to create a more radiant bride. That makes being part of a church worth it.
Lord, will you help me to find a church in which I can grow and encourage others? Because I love You, I want to be part of the church that you call to be your radiant bride. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready." Revelation 19:7 (NIV)
Years ago during the midst of a really trying time in our church, I cried out to the Lord in frustration one morning. I had a bargain that I thought sounded like a great idea. "Lord," I said, "I would really like to have You without the church. I mean, wouldn't that be OK? I'm not giving up my faith in You. I just don't want to have anything to do with the church anymore." I was worn out from strife, bickering, and factions. I was confused about the purpose of church and why God would want me to be part of something that was causing so much stress and sleeplessness.
The next thought that I had clearly was not my own, because it was definitely not the answer for which I was longing. "Amy, if someone wanted to be your friend and love you without loving Barry (my husband), how would you feel about that?"
Even though I was starting to have an idea about where this was going, I answered honestly. "Lord, you know that I couldn't have a close relationship with anyone who didn't love my husband, too. Barry is too much a part of me. Anyone who loves me gets Barry as part of the package."
That still, small voice continued, "Amy, the church is my bride. You cannot have me without my bride."
I was stunned. I had never before thought of my relationship with the church in that way. Not only was I to love the church because of God's love for it, but I am also to be part of the church which God calls as His bride.
Hebrews 10:25 says, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." It's not always easy being a member of a church. There are people there, you know? I joke that if I found the perfect church, it wouldn't be perfect anymore the minute I joined! Yes, often church involves the messiness of humanity as much as than the encouragement of divinity.
As I mature, I'm seeing some of that messiness as God's way of growing me up. It forces me to choose between offense or grace, between bitterness or forgiveness and between selfishness or service. When I make the right choices, I become a little more like Him and help to create a more radiant bride. That makes being part of a church worth it.
Lord, will you help me to find a church in which I can grow and encourage others? Because I love You, I want to be part of the church that you call to be your radiant bride. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
