It has been nearly six months since I have taken the time to write on my blog. Many things have transpired and transition has come. Of course it has not come in the way I expected…but does it ever? God likes to keep us on our toes and trusting in Him fully. My daughter Anna has moved away from home. A release has taken place in knowing that I am no longer responsible for her decisions and that she now has to answer to God for her choices. My assignment now is to pray for her and support her. Another transition in our lives is that Pastor Derek and Robyn, our beloved youth pastors will be moving soon. They have been a vital part of our lives for 8 years. It is bittersweet knowing they are going to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives, but we will miss them more than words can express.So transition has come. And still it seems as I am yet in the middle of transition.
In the midst of transition, God has given me the privilege of allowing a new friend to come into my life. A friend that challenges me to go higher and reach deeper in my relationship with God; Someone who is all about the truth of God and His Word; Someone who walks daily sharing the gospel on a personal level with those he comes in contact with. Someone who sees the need for repentance in the body of Christ and is bold enough to proclaim it.
On that note, allow me to share a recent experience I encountered…I just had the rare privilege of meeting a man who has impacted my life in a major way. He is one of the most gentle loving men I have ever experienced. His name is Arthur Burt. He is a 97-year-old man who resides in the small country of Wales in the UK. He was a young pastor and evangelist in the UK and has since traveled all over the world as the Spirit has led sharing the love of Christ. Many years ago he traveled and ministered with Smith Wigglesworth. As he sat in a chair between two of his traveling companions, much like Moses with Aaron and Hur, he waited on God for several minutes before speaking. At 97 years old, he was in no hurry. It reminded me of reading of the great Welsh revivals when Evan Roberts would come into a church and simply wait, sometimes for hours, to hear from the LORD before he would speak a word, because he knew it wasn’t about him, but what the Holy Sprit wanted to do or say.
Arthur’s message was simple; the body of Christ needs to learn to love (Romans 12:9a “Let your love be sincere.”). The body of Christ needs to forgive. He made this statement, “There is no forgiveness for unforgiveness.” (Matthew 6:14-15); And the body of Christ needs to repent. Truly repent. As we were driving home, I was talking with Joseph, who had attended this meeting with me and I said, “Love, forgiveness, repentance…who does that sound like?” The obvious answer is Jesus.
What and honor to meet a saint who has stood the test of time and is continuing to press on knowing that his assignment is not yet finished. Four strokes have not stopped this mighty, meek man of God. How humbling. I felt as though I had been I the presence of one of the saints of old, someone who knows how to wash feet and simply wait in the presence of the LORD. Of course we are not to place any one on a pedestal, but we are to give honor where honor is due. Before we left, we had the honor of blessing Arthur, who sat humbly in his chair to receive all who wanted to speak with him. After thanking him for his years of faithful ministry he turned to me with the most sincere purity in his eyes, and he simply said, “God Bless You” then as a precious father, he kissed me on the cheek. Those simple words had so much power behind them that this girl will never be the same. God’s timing is perfect. He knows what we need when we need it. I am truly blessed by my Almighty, personal God.
So in God's perfect timing, knowing what we need and when we need it…comes our life's transitions. He gives us new friends and old saints to urge us on during change and transition. I am starting to think that in the times we are living, that transition may just be a continual part of our lives. We have to be positioned where God wants us so that He can use us, so that we can be clay in our Master Potter’s hands. We have to be pliable to His will and His direction. We have to be ready at a moments notice to go where He sends us. We cannot be attached to the things of this life that will hold us down. We can’t “GO” if we are tied down to stuff. There is a peace which far surpasses understanding that comes in surrendering to the changes God allows. I’m learning to accept transition and with the strength of the LORD, I’m learning to embrace it…
God Bless you as you embrace all the transitions of your journey…
Jewels
