Freed to Leave

As I ponder all that has happened and what is coming up in Alabama. A couple of things have come to mind. Some of asked why we did not stay and hang on. Well, first it was wearing on both of us and affecting our relationship. I attended a church planting conference this past week and there was many ideas and strategies on how to plant a church and what to do and not do. Some speakers even acknowledged their disagreement with their other speakers. It was refreshing to see Christians disagree, yet respect the other. However, there were two things all agreed upon. First, be in the Word of God and seek Him as you plant your church and secondly, your marriage is more important than the church! So one answer to why we would not hang on...I love my wife and family to much to allow harm to come to them.

As we are preparing to leave, the issues that have been kept hidden from much of the congregation are coming to light (not from me) and people are upset with the manner in which I was treated. Could have I stayed and fought these issues and won? Yes, I could have, but to the glory of who? Me. God has spoken to me and what He has told me was vengeance was His and He would take care of the situation in His way and He would receive the glory. He was going to take me out of this situation before I completely burned out and would not be able to continue in ministry and place me where He could use me for His Glory. When He brought me to that place of understanding, a great burden was lifted from my shoulders and I knew without a doubt I was "In His Grip!". I could leave and not be concerned with what would happen with the church or the childcare center. I was freed to leave!