Tonight at church the unexpected happened. God showed up. Isn’t that a tragic statement? Not that God showed up, but that I wasn’t expecting it… at least I wasn’t expecting it in the way that He chose to do so.
I expected Him to be present in our time of worship, and He was. I expected Him to be present as we studied His Word, and He certainly spoke through pastor Ron’s beautiful and timely message in the first half of 1 Corinthians 15.
I wasn’t expecting God to turn me into a fountain of blubbering tears in front of everyone at church during our closing worship set. During worship, the Holy Spirit simply told me these words: “Now is the time.” Time for what? I wasn’t sure. So I told the church, “Now is the time” not knowing what to expect. After a brief moment of awkwardness, the front of the building started filling up with people coming forward to receive the Lord’s power for their lives.
It was the time.
For chains to be broken.
For apathy to be shed.
For hearts to be healed.
For power to be given.
Maybe tonight, or as you’re reading this, now is the time for you to be transformed in some way by Jesus. Just ask Him.
As I watched, listened to sincere prayers, and thought about how much Jesus loves His church and the lost, I lost it. I don’t cry a lot, and can usually compose myself… but not this night.
I felt embarrassed and ashamed, but only for a moment. If Paul wasn’t ashamed to look a little foolish and crazy for the sake of Jesus, why should I be? (2 Cor. 5:13) After all, if we can’t weep with Jesus for the lost and share His passion for His work, than maybe there is something a little off in us.
At any rate, through our weakness God is doing something special here at Crossroads. I can’t believe I get to see it with my own eyes and share it with so many amazing people.
Onward. Upward.
John 11:35 – Jesus wept.
The Ascending Life 