“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
For many years I have neglected meeting together with my brother and sisters in Christ. It became my habit and one that I couldn’t seem to break. My family seemed to fall in this trap with me. I call it a trap because we seemed to not be able to escape what was in our minds that was keeping us from forgiving offenses in our life, which caused us not to want to be around other Christians.
It is so easy to be offended by others and let everyone know about it. When I was hurt, I wouldn’t wait until the kids were out of the room, I would do it there. They would see me crying because I was hurt and ask what was wrong and I would tell them. Not in a vindictive way but in a pathetic way. I was hurt. By letting my kids see this and know who offended me, they drew their own conclusion and opinion of those in question.
As the years passed, the dust on the Bible accumulated. We went as a family to different churches but I couldn’t leave fast enough. I was still hurt. I didn’t want to open my heart to anyone again. It was so hard. The churches we visited were so open and welcoming but I was closed off. I didn’t want to get involved in any ministries, I just wanted to be…
The Lord saw my hurt and carried me through the years…
I thought for a moment that I might be one of the sisters that had fallen away and their heart becomes harden and can’t find her way back. I was so worried about not being close to the Lord but then a friend’s face entered my mind. I started calling her and meeting with her. Slowly the ice was melting away. I let someone in. I started opening my Bible and went to a woman’s conference that opened my heart to those sisters around me. I found the joy in the Lord and forgave the offenses that I had against others. It felt like a huge weight was taken off my shoulders.
Something like scales had fallen off my eyes and I could see again. I could see others and feel love for them. I wanted to be around other brothers and sisters in Christ, to meet with them and fellowship. I was reborn!
It feels so good to have sisters that meet with you and want to pray with and for you. To have a Pastor that cares about your soul and preaches what the Lord puts on his heart. If feels indescribable to be able to have the freedom of worship, true freedom, where you don’t have to worry about someone else watching you, your focus is all on Jesus, not anything else. How the Spirit of the Lord moves throughout the worship and sermon. To be able to be in a service and not think about what things you have to do that day but think about the message and the Lord.
It is wonderful to have a Lighthouse to go to.
- posted by Thea
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- filed under: Journey
