And so today, I choose again - I Believe.

I know that sounds kinda strange so let me explain. Many of you reading this blog may know that it was 2 years ago this summer that I resigned the church I had planted & was pastoring. Several things contributed to this decision, including the fact that I was really burned out & mainly, God spoke. (Hearing His voice & knowing His desire is a topic for another blog on another day.)

And for 2 years I have prayed, waited, looked, and trusted God to provide a new church for me & my family. And for 2 years . . . NOTHING! We've talked to several churches during this time, but nothing that we sensed God's leadership to embrace. It has been a difficult time, to say the least. This time of waiting has really stretched our faith - more than ever before. I mean, like nothing else ever has. I mean, we have struggled greatly. Did I mention this season has stretched us? Perhaps a truer description is that it has deepened our faith. This time of waiting & facing disappointment time & time again has really called our faith to the forefront. Will we trust God? Does He really have a place for us? Are we kidding ourselves?

But just this week, I have decided again to trust & wait. I was reminded of Philippians 4 where Christ Followers are encouraged to pray instead of worrying. And then we are told this:

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.

And so I will fill my mind on those kinds of thoughts - true, noble, gracious, beautiful thoughts. My faith is a choice. My faith is a focus of my thoughts on God and His plans for me. I know that the future holds moments for me when I will want to be discouraged. It has been a back-&-forth battle for 2 years now. When I am tempted to get discouraged, I need to refuse to entertain discouragement & choose to entertain encouragement. Because somewhere God has a church for my family & me where we can serve Him & them with joy.

And so we choose to wait - w/ a focus on the future God has in store for us. An opportunity to clearly & creatively communicate the Gospel.