There was a time some years ago before I'd felt the sting of betrayal, the pain of lost relationships, and the agony of being lied about. It was during this season of my life that I was completely enamored with God's church. I could go to places that worshiped differently and find the beauty in each expression. Even if the worship weren't "my style" I saw the good in the diversity. I volunteered as a youth pastor at a local church and I spent Thursday afternoons preaching to the elderly at a nursing home. I loved God and I loved people.
However, life and ministry caused me to be guarded. I became careful to whom I give my heart. And I've found that I grew cold and cynical of others.
Now don't get me wrong, I LOVED the church I was a part of and the people that God had placed around me BUT something had changed... And I didn't like it!
As I was spending some time in worship I found myself missing the old me. The me that loved every arm of the church. The me that I used to be. And it was at this point that I heard myself praying a prayer before i was able to process what I was saying. I prayed, "God, restore to me a love for Your church."
Now for you that may not seem significant but for me it was a leap of faith. Or maybe you are like me...
You've become guarded, untrusting, waiting to see when you will be hurt again. And you need to pray a dangerous prayer as well. What prayer have you been avoiding? What area does God need to put His finger on in your life? In what way do you need to obey Him?
Let's talk...
