A Sign?

 

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

In August of this year, Pastor Andy retired, and the pastoral committee brought in Pastor Jon. In the first weeks Pastor Jon requested a meeting with each member. He wanted to hear our faith testimonies and ask how he might serve us.

I was baptized at a very young age, which Pastor Andy accepted when I joined the church. Pastor Jon, however, encourages me to be baptized again as an adult.

I am reticent because I have a phobia about standing in front of crowds. Funny, I can bare my soul in my writing but can’t stand in front of my congregation.  

After hearing my testimony of faith, all the signs and wonders God has given me, Pastor Jon said, “I know God will tell you His opinion on the matter, when He does, come talk to me.”

As I’ve posted before, I’ve been sick and out of town for several weeks. Last Sunday was the first time I’ve attended church services for three weeks. Halfway through the service, the automatic curtains covering the baptismal pool partially opened, paused, and closed.

Our praise team leader commented, “Interesting. Those opened of their own accord. Does someone out in our congregation need to be baptized?”

I tried not to react. I didn’t want Pastor Jon to get any ideas just yet. Yes, I know God will give me the strength and courage I need to fulfill His will, whatever it is, but I’m still hesitant.

If it was God’s sign, He won’t let up. He’ll keep sending messages, nagging until I give in.

Dear Lord, I want to do your will. Give me the wisdom, the strength, and the courage to follow You wherever you lead. Amen.

 

The Inside Joke

Isn’t it amazing how God sends signs or messages that touch our hearts, little things others don’t notice, but are significant to us?

I have touched on lilies, rainbows, and lions in other posts. Now, it seems God has added a new theme to our communications, thanks to my pastor.

I met with him this last week and during our discussion, described the different ways God encouraged me to write.

He smiled when I equated the lions with Jonah and the whale. “I mentioned that scripture in Sunday’s sermon.”

I’d missed the service.  

Two days after my meeting with my pastor, TBN TV station sent me an email with this week’s lineup of programs. The biggest ad was [insert a drum roll], yes you already know, Jonah and the whale.

I laughed.

In my heart I knew He was ribbing me about missing Sunday’s service. I imagined Him smiling and His eyes twinkling. Who says He can’t have a sense of humor? He gave us one.

But He wasn’t done with the joke. 

I started a new book, not surprised (maybe a little) that one of the characters was named Jonah, and he mentioned dry bones. I didn't laugh this time. I read the scripture about dry bones from the book of Ezekiel 37:1-14 this morning. God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones and infuse them with spirit. During my talk with Pastor, mentioned I hadn’t written in a while. 

He said, “Perhaps you've entered a dry spell.”

I believe God is telling me He will infuse my writing with spirit, just like he did the field of dry bones.

I cherish having a close enough relationship with God to share inside jokes along with the more serious things.

A wise man once told a married couple, “Love each other with all your hearts. That love will spill outward toward your children and others.”

Our relationship with God will do the same.

Lord, I am delighted I can call you my friend.  Amen.