Because God went before us

       Tonight was wonderful, I had the priviledge of attending Grace's first Baptism, we had the service at Bridges of Hope Fellowship, our mother church. For people that don't understand church planting lingo, that is a fancy way of saying that they love and support us because we are trying to start a brand new church to reach more people for Jesus. So they watch over us like a mother, letting us go and do and make our own mistakes but they are there for us for emotional support (you can not imagine unless you are doing this), financial support, and sometimes just a word of advice that keeps us from making mistakes that they have already seen made by themselves or other plants.
     Tim, my Hubby and Pastor, another odd thing unless you have ever been a pastor's wife, preached out of 2Kings 7. The first time I heard this sermon I was convinced that He had read the wrong scripture. The story is about four lepers that went forward into the enemies camp instead of deciding to stay right where there were and die. Its an odd story, not one i had ever heard before and I am sure I read quickly over this passage...which is not the best habit. At any  rate, the reason these people lived and long term ended a famine was that they went to the enemies camp. The reason they did so well was that the Lord went before them.
     This sermon makes me think...its not a logical step but the men were okay because the Lord went before him, when I first heard the sermon I was aware of the fact that Tim was comparing Grace to lepers...social outcasts and my concern was that He would accidentally hurt some feelings. Tonight, the Holy Spirit showed me an entirely different perspective. You see I was very concerned because Tim is in a wheelchair, I know more than anyone that there are times when He can't do somethings. I see the physical limitations and like any wife, I want to protect him, I have seen him fall, and seen him not be able to do things...One day, I came home from student teaching and the man could not walk. I try to help him not overdue things. But you see God allowed Tim to baptize the three new believers because, the Lord went before him.
     Why did we get a sponsor church? Because God went before us. Why did we have such concern when DeWayne and Natalie were hurting...because God allowed us to care about them and build a friendship...why did Bridges support us? Because God went before us. Even now, I see that the reason we heard about DeWayne at a prior church was because God was going before us. In fact even the fourth of July we spent with Bridges peeps was part of God's plan. It is funny to look back and see although none of us understood God was weaving our lives and opening doors. It touched my heart to see Pastor DeWayne offer hands to the people coming in and out of the baptistry...
    Why were we blessed with three new believers since October...you got it, because God went before us. Praise God for eternal differences...May we always be road blocks to people going down a destructive path. We had many reasons to cancel the service. One person was unable to attend the service. The neighbor that usually takes us to church is having car trouble. One of the ladies is prone to panic attacks. The heater at Bridges quit and the sound system hissed...but we went forward. Because you got it, God went before us.
    I whispered God please take care of Tim, and God said Melissa even when you are there "I am taking care of him" I called Tim  and I called you to help him...let me go before you...and I can only nod and agree. Thank you God for giving us these opportunities.