Cling to Jesus
I made a phone call on Tuesday to the church in Montana where I first learned about God’s grace and really heard the gospel message for the first time. My pastor there married us 10 years ago. He was a fixture of my growing up years.
I called the church because I wanted to get a recommendation from him for another church in Montana. Someone else answered the phone — the new pastor.
He told me the news that my old pastor had been gone from the church for two years and that he and his wife had gotten a divorce. He wasn’t specific, just shared the facts and nothing more.
I could barely speak. The new pastor was very kind, but we didn’t talk long. Looking back, thinking about his gentle and caring voice, I speculate that he would be a good man to do the job of bringing that congregation through a difficult time.
After I hung up, I wondered — “How does this happen?” I mean, really, how?
Jeff’s mom reminded me that Satan is hunting for things he can devour and destroy. Clinging to Jesus is the only way to make certain that Satan won’t devour our families.
You are so right, Wardeh. And the priorities toward centering toward family as well as Jesus.
How many strong Christians I see divorcing who are convinced that God “wants their needs met”…leading a following toward needs and “provision” instead of priorities God has established for us…even if we are “needy” for seasons or until growth occurs, or whatever.
I’m so sorry for your experience, and lift up a prayer for you just now that God will use the news to pull you and Hubby toward some rich and nurturing time with the kids gone.
May he bless your solitude and seeking time with Him.
I’m reading Isaiah at the moment with a few online. You could breeze through to Chapter 7, or start there and back up later. Love to have you read and comment, or post here either one. Sometimes being in the word can fill the gap until a church can be found. I hope you find one you are comfortable with soon. You already nurture strong and rich community, but a community of faith is also great to have as an anchor point for me, for sure.
Sorry this was so lengthy. But, I’ve been there…it is a sinking feeling that stays with you for a while. {[hugs]}
Blessings,
Maggie
Thank you, Maggie, for your sincere and thoughtful comments. I wasn’t totally clear in my post and that led you to think that we are looking for a church; we aren’t. The recommendation I wanted was to pass on to a friend. However, I would still like to join your study, somewhat sporadically, I’m sure, but it sounds wonderful and thank you for the invitation. Thanks for the hugs. ~Wardeh
Oh, Wardeh, how heartbreaking! I’m so sorry for you to find out this terrible news unexpectedly! I won’t say anything else. Thinking about how people can change so much makes me sad.
A.
I know somewhat how you feel. One of my best friends left her husband quite unexpectedly in January. No one would have ever guessed what she was hiding. You are so right about Satan devouring our families. He creeps into any little space that we leave open to him. We need to constantly be on guard!