Expect the unexpected
Wednesdays can be a challenge, trying to get everything done to then be able to get to church. Yesterday was definitely that way. Beth Ann had to get dinner to some friends, drop the boys to my dad so she could go to the doctor and meet me to inhale a quick dinner before 7:00. I was wrapping up a busy day of meetings and trying to get to the other side of town. We got everything done that we needed to and made it to Richland Hills ready for The Summit.
We were prepared and excited for Rick's sermon on fasting. He was going to teach and share some insights on how to apply this particular discipline to our lives. We dropped the boys off to their classes and settled in prepared to listen and learn. Then the announcement came: Rick is at home with the flu and will not be here tonight to teach on fasting. I have to admit, I was disappointed. We rushed to get everything done and now we were not getting what we wanted and expected.
So the alternative plan was explained. We were going to spend most of the time in praise but we were going to do some different things during that praise time. We were encouraged to write letters to fellow members and go share it with them during the service. There were stations set up for us to go and write praises to our Savior, our Redeemer, our God. A cross was there for us to go write any burden and lay it at the foot of the cross.
This was a bit different for the C of C. People milling around encouraging one another. People getting up and writing to our God on the wall. People going to the cross to pray and lay their burdens down in front of each other. It was a powerful night. It was a blessing to have the freedom to spend time celebrating in God while listening to our praise team. It felt right.
God truly brought a great evening to our church when I thought we would be focused on what sermon we wanted to hear. We expected a great evening and unexpectedly it ended up being even better than we ever thought it could be. Don't you love God's surprises?
Have a blessed day.
We were prepared and excited for Rick's sermon on fasting. He was going to teach and share some insights on how to apply this particular discipline to our lives. We dropped the boys off to their classes and settled in prepared to listen and learn. Then the announcement came: Rick is at home with the flu and will not be here tonight to teach on fasting. I have to admit, I was disappointed. We rushed to get everything done and now we were not getting what we wanted and expected.
So the alternative plan was explained. We were going to spend most of the time in praise but we were going to do some different things during that praise time. We were encouraged to write letters to fellow members and go share it with them during the service. There were stations set up for us to go and write praises to our Savior, our Redeemer, our God. A cross was there for us to go write any burden and lay it at the foot of the cross.
This was a bit different for the C of C. People milling around encouraging one another. People getting up and writing to our God on the wall. People going to the cross to pray and lay their burdens down in front of each other. It was a powerful night. It was a blessing to have the freedom to spend time celebrating in God while listening to our praise team. It felt right.
God truly brought a great evening to our church when I thought we would be focused on what sermon we wanted to hear. We expected a great evening and unexpectedly it ended up being even better than we ever thought it could be. Don't you love God's surprises?
Have a blessed day.
posted by Craig @ 5:30 AM
3 Comments:
At 8:25 AM ,
Brandon Scott Thomas said...
I love that, Fish. We do that every Wednesday here and it has been such a blesing. I am so glad Ryan planned that there. Can't wait to see you in a few weeks.
At 11:38 AM ,
Alan said...
It took me a little work to find it, but I made it to your blog. You guys are great! Now you have 5 people reading your words of wisdom. Hope your family is doing great, and I look forward to your future posts. Grace, Alan Brown
At 8:20 PM ,
Val said...
Glad to be able to peek into your world this way. I'll try to check in once in a while.
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