It’s a tale of two young professionals called into full-time vocational missions and ministry. Two lives dedicated to serving the cause of Christ.
One, ready to go wherever God would send her, dreamed of faraway places and extreme situations.
The other, more timid about where she would be sent, managed to remain obedient and willing nonetheless.
And, as frequently happens, they each found themselves serving in areas opposite of what they had secretly hoped.
Still, God worked and each saw His hand quickly, gaining a new depth to their understandings of trusting Him and giving their lives fully to Him.
It’s similar to the “never say never” concept and the “let it begin with me” prayer.
‘Let it begin with me’
We often hear people quote “Lord, let it begin with me” in reference to a prayer for repentance and realignment to the ways of God.
Maybe I shouldn’t think this way, but sometimes I wonder if we really mean that prayer. If we were all truly seeking to stay in step with Jesus and willing to be the first to step toward where God is calling us, would so much dissension exist among people of faith?
Wouldn’t we be cheering each other on more as we all seek to discover where God is working and sacrifice our own desires in order to join Him?
Pastors and ministry leaders across our state work tirelessly to help share this message, and countless laypeople are doing the same.
Birmingham-area pastor Mac Brunson shared in a recent tweet (click here):
“We are desperately in need of revival in the SBC because we are desperately in need of revival in the local churches because we are desperately in need of revival in the pulpit because we are desperately in need of revival in my heart.”
What is revival exactly? We might think of it as a multiple-day event with a guest preacher, but it’s so much more. Revival happens in the hearts of believers and provides an opportunity for renewal on many levels.
Slow down and listen
What is God impressing on your heart as you spend time in His word and slow down to truly listen? Are you purposefully ignoring anything, maybe out of fear of where those steps might lead?
It’s possible you’ll determine you’ve been extremely vocal about a certain stand that turned out to be a little more complex than you first realized, that it didn’t actually have to be an “us versus them” situation. No worries. It’s a great time to apologize where necessary and reset.
Or maybe you’ve invested time and energy in a plan but know in your heart it’s time to make a change.
Rather than looking for ways to justify — or as some say, “baptize” — the plan with select Scripture, determine to release the controlling tendency and seek the Lord’s guidance and wisdom.
Revival is possible, but it must start with each of us.
The Alabama Baptist marks 179 years and celebrates first anniversary of its latest addition, The Baptist Paper
We marked the 179th anniversary of The Alabama Baptist in February and moved right into celebrating the first birthday of The Baptist Paper, which is May 13.
Both publications exist because of your partnership, and we still can’t quite believe we get the honor and privilege of serving you in this way.
We give all the glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We know all the good parts of what we’ve been able to achieve come from Him — and that He provides grace when we make mistakes along the journey.
Words of affirmation
Thank you for your kind words of affirmation and continued support and encouragement each time our paths cross.
When you call, write or email to share how an article touched your heart or the appreciation you have for our news coverage concept of “truth with compassion,” it gives us a little extra pep in our step.
And, of course, your subscriptions, advertising and donations have allowed us to produce, print and mail the paper.
Be sure to share with your family and friends about The Alabama Baptist and The Baptist Paper and urge them to subscribe today.
Thank you for your friendship and partnership.
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