Surrounded by Family
On Sunday’s the pastor has been teaching on the topic of church family and each person’s importance in that family. Today was an especially wonderful day as God gave me a reassurance that I had been praying for.
When we moved not only did we physically move to a new home, but we also were searching for a new church home. In the past we have tried to attend churches outside of our home town and it makes is more difficult to get connected, not impossible, but more difficult.
I had been attending a church down the street from our home for the past year. My husband chose not to go. Over the last several months he has repeatedly told me that God is working on him and then one day he said, “See if you can find that Foursquare Church that was near the University.” In researching I found the church that he was talking about and that it had moved to the other side of town near my work.
He said he would like to attend and see if that was where we were supposed to be, so we went. Immediately upon arrival we were warmly greeted and the whole experience reminded me of the first time we attended Harvest Foursquare over 20 years ago.
After the first Sunday he knew this was the place. I however wasn’t as sure so I decided to participate in a weekly bible study and monthly ladies luncheon to get to know some of the people. While attending these events and activities I continued to pray that I would know for sure if this was where God wanted me to be.
Today was that day. I was talking with Sue whom I had met on our first Sunday meeting and then again at the ladies luncheon. Come to find out she lives just up the street from me. We were discussing the neighborhood when two other couples joined our conversation and introduced themselves. They too lived in the neighborhood, if fact the three families surround our home!
At that moment I felt God say, “I have you surrounded by family, this is where I want you to be.” He knew exactly where all of these people lived before He led me to the home where I now live. This was all part of His plan and now He was revealing it in His perfect time. That was more than enough confirmation for me, but He had even more in the Sunday sermon.
The pastor shared this verse in the NIV version, but as he read it I was reading the MSG version and it was quite incredible.
Ephesians 2:21-22:
“That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.”
I had prayed just before leaving for church this morning that God would speak to me through His word and He did in a mighty way. Thank you Lord!
The Lord encouraged the apostle Paul with these words, “Because I am with you. No one will be able to hurt you, for there are many in this city whom I call my own.” (Acts 18:10 TPT) That’s how I felt when He showed me that I was surrounded by family, that there are many in the city that belong to Jesus. Praise God!
After church I had a blessed time of fellowship with new friends and knowing that I was among family. He is fitting us in brick by brick and it feels amazing to be in the hands of the Master Builder.
My prayer
Father, thank you for the beautiful way that You provided reassurance for me today. I am in awe of the way that you orchestrate everything. I was feeling lost in where to go and You told me to hold the course and then in Your perfect timing I found myself right where You had planned for me to be. Thank you for family. I love You Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Where does my help come from?
1 Corinthians 3:10
“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.”
1 Corinthians 1:9
“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”