Loving Us Like Jesus

Friday, September 4, 2015

8:50 am: (Text message Chris  wrote to some friends) "Well, the word came back via email Wednesday night at 9:50pm that Lebanon had extended a call to another man.  We were pretty sad yesterday.  But today we are beginning to press through.  I am making phone calls, sending emails, printing support letters, and making plans to move to south Georgia the beginning of October. Thank you for praying with and for us this last year.  Please feel free to continue.  This journey will be impossible without the hand of the Lord.  We will see how it goes!" 

8:51am:  My husband posts this from his blog. 

8:56am: "Disappointing-yet a path is now clearer (and it is what is best for you guys.)"

9:04am:  "A door never closes without God opening the next one. You both have been an inspiration to me with your patience and obedience. Has it been hard? Most definitely but I cannot wait to see the blessings He is holding for you. Love you guys."

9:10am: "I just read Chris' post..I love you, dear one and if want to talk, just let me know. I'm here."

9:27am: (Text message I wrote to some friends) "First I want to say thank you for all the prayers you have lifted up on the behalf of my family.  The last year could have been a lot harder than it was.  Chris got an email Wednesday night stating that the search committee has gone with someone else.  It was hard hearing that news yesterday morning..I had already fallen asleep and he didn't want to wake me.  Yesterday was a hard day as the door to being a pastor and a pastor's wife has been closed for a season.  It was also overwhelming as we sit here with no home..no job...and four sets of eyes looking at us.  We will be moving to Georgia the first week of October to begin the discipleship ministry.  Months ago I thought I really needed your prayers, but as I sit here typing this note, I realize that we are going to need your prayers even more.  For God to provide a place to live and to provide the finances to make that happen.  Chris and I have felt some spiritual attack the last day as satan tells us lies about who we are and what we lack.  It is a constant battle to not believe those lies.  So please pray.  We will keep you posted in the days to come.  You may not realize it, but you are playing an important role in what God is getting ready to do."

I was broken.  I needed prayers because the battle was real. But then the texts started coming at just the right time.

9:22am: "Sorry to hear! I think you presented yourself well and I know you and your family would have been a blessing to their church.  I will continue to pray for you." 

9:27am: "We will continue to life you guys up!  Let's catch up soon bro.  God is setting something up for your family!!" 

9:35am:  "Sara, my heart aches for you.  But I still hope for good things. Our  is a God of peace and He will bless you.  Please let us know if there's anything we can do to with the transition.  We will be praying."

9:38am: "You know we will continue to pray! I'm happy that you are having a change of scene by moving to GA, and I KNOW your family is thrilled!!! I know you know that there is a plan in place for you and Chris and your sweet family.  You may be headed toward all the answers you have been waiting for as we speak! Thank you so much for always keeping me in the loop.  I love you guys and I am so inspired by your obedience to God's plan for your life.  The testimony you can share...WOW! Satan attacks so regularly, and I'm glad that in spite of all you see it for what it is. Love and prayers for you and your beautiful family, my sweet friend!!!"

9:39am: "I praise God for finally giving you direction and an answer! Even though it is hard, He's got an awesome plan--something that I keep having to remind myself.  Will definitely keep praying for you guys as you prepare to move to GA. He WILL provide.  Keep me updated."

9:51am: "I just got in from a run and I have always used that time to reflect and pray.  You guys were on my heart and being prayed for, for my mile and half run this morning. Funny how God does stuff like that and I knew why when I got back and read your text! I know it is hard to see now, but God  has it under control.  Even those tiny details that we forgot about.  I'm excited to see how God is going to grow you guys and stretch you to glorify Him and testify to Who He is!"

9:54am: "I have a hard time liking this; not because of what you wrote, but because of the reason it had to be written. My heart is hurting for you. Even though the road you will now be traveling is unfamiliar and even scary, I have all faith that you will be blessed beyond measure. I commend you for your trust and faith in the Lord. You have endured so much. I pray for continued endurance and faith as you go forward. I love you all very much. We are here for you when and however you need us."

9:56am: "Oh, that makes me sad Chris.  I know that was a disappointment and I feel for you.  I will certainly continue to pray. Please give Sara and the kids our love." 

10:01am: "I'm so sad about your news.  God definitely has a plan for you, a plan for good. We will keep praying."

10:34am: "Hi my friend.  I am so sorry to hear the news.  It is hard to understand why you have to go through this journey.   I know it hurts and I totally understand the spiritual attacks.  I wish I could give you a hug and just say that my heart and thoughts are with you."

10:39am:  "Praying He comforts as only He the comforter can do. What a blessing to follow Him.  Oh the rewards you will receive in Heaven."

10:47am:  "Praying for you, brother. If you need an actual ear to bend, mine is ready to listen. If you'd like to chat, let me know--I'll DM you my telephone number. Love you, man."

10:48am: "Praying for you and your family!"

10:50am: "Prayers said"

11:42am: "Praying!"

12:14pm: "Thank you for sharing what God has been doing in your family.  Your family will be in my prayers and the prayers of the rest of my family.  God is faithful and is doing a great work in and through you guys.  It may be hard or impossible to see, but then faith comes in, and God requires it because it is such a necessary part of the Christian walk and the battle.  I will pray for faith to trust, for noble thoughts to renew the degrading ones and for wisdom to see God's loving hand.  Love you all!"

12:15pm: "I will continue to be praying for you and the family.  God is with you and he won't leave you! I can't wait to see the new chapter that is around the corner.  Love you, Sara!"

12:41pm:  "May God strengthen you in your journey!"

12:43pm:  "I know so many prayers have been lifted up over the last year - for wisdom, direction, patience, peace and I know that the Lord has heard every single one. I also know that this is not the news that we were hoping for, because those that love you all want you close. But He who loves you infinitely more, knows all too well where you all are supposed to be. I know this journey has been long and it is has been far from easy, but out of His goodness and His knowledge of who He created you all to be, He has determined you are needed elsewhere. While being a pastor, and Sara, a pastor's wife, can be seen as an identity, your true identity is found as a child of God, and when the Father calls, His children listen. We love you all so much and have been so blessed to watch as you have remained faithful and obedient servants. We will be praying!"

1:48pm:  "Praying for peace and some open doors!"

2:00pm: "Was just telling your parents how pure and sweet and awesome your kids are...so sorry for this news.  The Lord certainly goes before y'all in this new chapter and you will be missed here."

3:29pm: "Oh Sara, you are loved! I know the wilderness of waiting has lasted longer than you expected, and that this must have been an especially difficult closed door.  May the Lord be near you, may you cast your cares on him, may he keep you believing in his goodness and his purposes.  We will pray for his leading and provision as you enter this new season, and we will pray for him to provide all you need in ways that right now exceed what you can imagine."

3:38pm: "C told me about Lebanon's decision.  I'm really sorry bro.  I know you trust in what God has prepared for you all, but this has been another grueling journey with a hard end.  I read your blog post just now, a very open pouring out of your heart.  You have a gentle and loving spirit, something most men don't realize is so critical to an authentic Christlike masculinity. We're here for you all if you need us for anything. Praying for you all.  You are on my mind a lot."

3:51pm: "Sorry man.  I'm bummed too.  We will be praying for you. At least you have a little more direction as to where God is leading you.  I'm here if you need to talk."

3:56pm: "Oh Chris I'm so sorry to read this but know I value your amazing discipleship and am praying for you and your beautiful family. God's plan is real and will be revealed!"

4:45pm: "I got your message and I know God is faithful and that he loves your family so much...Anyways, please rebuke the lies that are being told to you right now, and I will be in prayer with you.  Your family has such a heart for discipleship, and I truly believe your alliance will be used of God for that purpose.  We love you and know God will sustain you but us friends and family are here, too."

5:37pm: "Chris, my heart sunk when I read this.  I have waited because I do not know what to say.  The brothers in VA are missing out on the most Godly man I have ever known.  I have to believe that God is in control and I wholeheartedly believe that he has some very big plans and blessings for you and your family in South Ga.  God bless you man.  I love you and will be praying for you!

6:56pm: "I wish I could be hugging you right now! You're going through a difficult season of change, but I know God will use it for His glory! You and Chris have trusted God so beautifully throughout all of this.  He definitely has you both in his hands."

8:09pm: "Hi Sara and family.  My heart and prayers go out to you as you all prepare plans to move to GA.  Stay strong, for He is with us wherever we are.  I miss you!"

9:21pm: "Praying!"

10:15pm: "I'm reminded (for some reason) of the time in college that you blew off juries and didn't show for a concert, all because you knew His plans for you were bigger than those moments that no longer had bearing on your future. I hope down the road we have a chance to sit at an awesome location and look back on this and smile."


8:34am (9.5.15): "Praying for you all!! Draw up into His wings and find comfort and rest in His presence."

10:37am: (9.5.15): "Chris, this must be very disappointing.  Frankly, I have no idea why you have not received a call to Pastoral Ministry.  Let me give you a word of encouragement, just in case you are struggling with any questions.  You were "well-liked" by our committee and we ALL affirmed your gifts for ministry.  There was NOTHING that "black-balled" you, no "evident issue," NO glaring "defect."  I am really surprised at this point.  One earthly reality (I guess) is that there aren't as many open positions in the EPC as there are for example in PCUSA.  Yes, send me your stuff.  I'm interested in the discipleship launch.  Hang in there brother." 

3:42pm (9.5.15):  "Well said, Chris! I'm sorry things aren't going as you had hoped and anticipated. You have so many gifts to serve the Lord. It's just tough when it's not clear how He's calling you. We continue to pray and trust the Lord to provide. The faith you and Sara demonstrate is inspiring!"

These texts came throughout the day...just when we needed them.  I was flooded with the love of friends, but more importantly by His love. These texts are a testimony of how we have impacted people's lives because of our passion for discipleship...for taking the time to invest in people through studying God's Word; for praying with and for them; for walking with them through different seasons of their lives.  And now, here they were praying for us...reminding us of Who we belong to...they we walking with us when we needed it. This is how the Body of Christ is suppose to work...encouraging each other...praying for each other...walking with each other...carrying each others burdens...loving each other as Christ loves His Church.  For those of you who wrote a text or gave us a call, all I have to say is thank you for loving us like Jesus.