A Living House

As many of you know, we have been experiencing a major transition in our lives in the area of where and when we worship.  For 23 years, we were part of one church, but that church has ceased to be.  A new fellowship has risen in a new place, but the old one is over and the building will soon be torn down.  There is no going back.  The only direction to move is forward, so that is what we are doing.  It isn’t easy.  It feels very strange at times, but God is still my Abba Father and Jesus is still Faithful and True.  The Holy Spirit is at work in each of our lives and it is very good.   

This week when we attended the weekly service, we were waiting for friends to arrive when I saw another dear friend across the room.  I hurried over to give her a hug and say hello before the service began.  As I went back to my seat, I realized that now I felt like I was at church.  Before that moment, it felt like any other place where you go, get a seat, experience an event and leave.  But after spending a few moments with my sweet friend, I felt the truth that I was a part of the Body of Christ in this place.  Even though there are many I don’t know, just knowing there was at least one there I did know made all the difference!

Coming and going, even entering into worship and responding to the message isn’t enough.  I need connection with other believers.  I need to join my faith and my life with theirs.  Isn’t that what church is all about?  I Peter 2:5 tells us, “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”  We aren’t meant to be scattered stones.  We need to come together to be built into this spiritual house.  Paul makes this clear in Ephesians 2:22, “In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”  I have no clue what the future holds, but I believe with all my heart that it is my Abba’s intention that we be part of His house and I am trusting that He will fit us in exactly where He wants us.   

Dear Father, thank You for Your amazing love.  Thank You for Your incredible wisdom in designing us to need to be connected to one another.  Please help us trust Your plan and your timing in placing us where You would have us.  Please help us trust You even when we don’t understand Your blueprints.  We love You and we know being in Your hands is the very best place to be.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.