Back in the Saddle (part 2)

Two years ago, I received a phone call. The caller said he and several others in their search was given my name from colleagues that I was looking for a staff position. We talked for over an hour and that weekend, Becky and I were at First Baptist Burleson to check out the church. Our visit was filled with divine intervention and we both left that day in awe. In awe that God would lead us to such an incredible church. After a dry 12 months, doubting, questioning, seeking, and trying to figure out what God was doing with me, we fell in love with First Burleson. 

Upon arrival to the church as visitors we were greeted at the door and escorting all around the church as visitors. Within minutes of being seated in worship, we ran into friends from our home church back in the 80’s. The pastor greeted us, the Executive Pastor greeted us, and members greeted us. We were asked if we were in a Life group yet, smiled at, greeted over and over, making us feel like this was home. Several weeks later, I was on staff with an office. My first day was exactly one year from the day I left my previous church. That was intentional on my part to be able to just pick right up where I left off serving God. There is a book worth of things that happened during the previous 12 months giving testimony in hindsight of how God works on our behalf without us even knowing it.

My ministry life emulates the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. His story, like mine, depicts the sovereignty of God. His perfect providence is just one illustration that God IS in control. To say that I never doubted God or never felt his presence during this life adventure would be a lie. I doubted and felt alone many times. To say that I didn’t trust and seek him would also be a lie. Like Joseph during his tragic life events one after another, I trusted and believed that God would restore me to His service. That day came with a phone call from God one late afternoon in August. God prompted the call, ordained the call, and made sure the timing was exactly perfect for me.

Like Joseph, even when others hurt us and life seems unfair and difficult, we can triumphantly declare with Joseph, “As far you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” Gen 50:20

Today I celebrate, to the day, two years of service at First Burleson. Every day has been full of joy, peace, fun, thanksgiving, mercy, love, care, and that feeling of I can’t wait to get to work. It would be another book to write of things that have happened over the past two years that would prove the existence of God almighty working in my life. We are exactly where God wants us at this moment in time and hopefully for many years to come.

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