I've Got You!

Recently I asked the Lord, "Why do I not WANT to go to church? I love you more each day. I am still reading your Word and talking with you; seeking to learn more of you and your ways. Striving to live a holy and acceptable life for you. What is wrong?"

As I was reading an inspirational article by Kim Potter this morning, I began to weep. This article tells of how God spoke to Kim: In those times lately when you felt like you were surely falling, in those times when you felt all alone, in those times when you felt I had left you and nothing was ever going to be alright, it was in those times that I pulled you close and said 'shhh,it's okay, I've got you.'  He continued 'it was during those times when you would cry 'but God, what about this and this and this, it's not okay!' that I would wrap my love around you and say 'it's okay, yes, it is, I am right here, I will never leave you nor forsake you, everything is going to be okay, I showed you the end from the beginning and it is going to be okay.'  

An accumulation of "things" had weighed me down. Not realizing the load that I had gathered, I was staggering under it. Leaders preaching one thing and doing another. Leaders claiming holiness yet allowing friends and family to hang out in short shorts and swimming in their 2 piece bathing suits.. Church members, Sunday School teachers, LEADERSHIP looking and acting like the world yet supposed to be "Christian". We talk one way yet our actions portray the opposite. Pastors talking about members to other members. We hear it preached how worry is a tool of Satan and we are not to worry, but trust God in all things. Then I hear one of our "leaders" tell someone how they are worried about them? 

A short time ago, I was rebuked by a missionary friend that was not even in the state of Alabama for my 'ungodly behavior'? Someone from "my" church had told them all about my rebellion and attitude!????  I was astonished, it was the first I had heard of my behavior problem. I was not being rebellious or have an attitude toward anyone.


Lately, I sent scriptures to two young men (ministers) online because of what they had posted. One was wearing a t-shirt that had a picture of ladies undergarments on it. He was "tweaking" himself as if in a sexual manner and making faces. I sent the message to them via the facebook page of the one that posted this picture asking them what kind of ministers they wanted to portray. I was bombarded with "stick in the mud", old fogey, and rejected by them and a few of their family. The man who posted this picture removed me as a friend when I told him he was as guilty as the one doing the "funny" since he posted this for the world to see. I did not give them my opinion, I sent them the Word of God.

I was sick for a period of time, not one person called to check on me. Although I worked from home, I worked for the church. Approximately 6 weeks I was out of church unable to go with absolutely no contact from them. My husband is a truck driver and he would go occasionally. I am sure he made mention that I was having a problem but more than being sick in the flesh, I was sick in my spirit. I needed answers. I do not wish to convey that I expect the Pastor to call me every time I do not attend church. Nor do I need a call from the secretary when I have not been there for the mid week service....but after 6 weeks you would think that someone would have contacted me. I believe everyone expected the "other" one to and no one did. 

I see pictures online of our church members wearing bikinis in public, young girl (13) laying on the couch with a boys arm wrapped around her as they sleep (her Mom took the picture) and we are supposed to be teaching the younger? People WAKE UP. We have been lulled to sleep with the thought, "I don't see anything wrong with it" or "I don't feel conviction and I don't think God would let me do this if it was wrong", and even "God made me this way" ideas. God did make us, but not necessarily "this way"... we cultivate our character ourself mostly. God gives us divine directions in His Word to follow to please Him. If we would only READ it and FOLLOW it as God's divine instructions.

I know pastors, preachers, evangelists are human and make mistakes. But where is the line drawn? How are we so blind that we don't see what we are doing to others with our self righteousness? We are all responsible, not just the preacher or teacher. The world looks at us and will say one of two things; I want to learn what they know or why should I want to go to church there, they are just like everyone else?

Isaiah 64:6  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

As I read the motivation this morning, I wept. God was talking to me....I've got you. Don't distress yourself over the sins of others, I've got you. He was not telling me that I am perfect either, although, I am striving for the mark! Philippians 3:14      I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.


He was not telling me to stop preaching His Word or standing for His righteousness. NO, He was telling me that He loves me and I am to continue to call sin wrong and proclaim victory over all unrighteousness even in my own life. If it pains me this much, I can only imagine what our unrighteousness does to Him.

 John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

I'VE GOT YOU!

Thank you Kim Potter!