I’m Not Sure
I’m not sure
how many years
I may have left
to do the things
You’ve set before me
Help me to do my best
~
I’m not sure
how much time
I may have wasted
not doing the things
You preferred me to
Help me to be gracious
~
I’m not sure
how many souls
I may have missed
to share Your Love with
You know my failings
Help me to have blessed.
~
Wendy ~ 2015
~
I wrote this poem while my husband and I were alone at a cabin.
We watched the sunrise together, and then I had my quiet time while he rested.
This poem reminds me of something that happened three decades ago…
~
~
Once upon a time when I was at a gathering, and a young man asked me, “Do you have to attend church to be a Christian?”
The room became quiet and all eyes focused on me.
My heart pounded. Christianity wasn’t a favored topic with this particular group. Memories of a chastising I’d received, when I’d asked a “God” question of one of the onlookers, fanned the flames of fear as I considered how to answer. I was engaged in an invisible battle, one I’d become aware of since choosing to follow Christ.
~
~
“Oh no,” I said. “You don’t have to attend church in order to be a Christian, but it’s an important step to take for your spiritual growth.”
He nodded. A new discussion started, and though I longed to say more, anxiousness glued my tongue to the roof of my mouth. I felt like a failure.
Later I prayed for him. For days. Weeks. Months.
Had I played the part of a denying Peter?
~
~
Now I know God’s hand was in it. I’d obviously said more with my life than with my words. The young man knew who I was before I’d followed Christ, and the transformation had piqued his curiosity.
He was seeking.
~
~
Today this young man, the one who asked me about the importance of church attendance, is a pastor of a church.
God didn’t need me to blabber about my faith.
He needed me to pray.
And I’m so glad I did.
~
~
Prayer-Powered Blessings ~ Wendy
Have you got a faith story or question you’d like to share?
I promise not to blabber.
~
Beautiful. You just never know how you’ll influence someone …. What a sweet testimony! You didn’t have to say much. <3
Thank you, dear Shelli. “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord…” Zechariah 4:6
Wendy: What a surprising and wonderful outcome to your prayer. Don’t you love how God works? Thanks for sharing this. ~ Richard
Richard, remembering past answered prayers encourages us to keep believing for present ones. He’s listening and adding in where words escape us. Blessings to you & Mary.
Yes indeed we are to pray constantly! Never let the evil one overcome you with doubt and fear! And you are doing His work through your beautiful posts. Love the poem my sister!!! Blessings to you for a wonderful rest of your day.
Thank you, Rhonda. Amen to your reminder. “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 <3 Blessings as you enjoy that lovely grandchild of yours.
Indeed!!!! 😊 I have to remind myself of this as well. The battle can sometimes be very tough.
What a lovely story Wendy! I have been troubled of late, by the time I have wasted in the past, especially through my alcoholism years, and my behaviour during that time left a lot to be desired. I can’t do anything about that, I know, but be the best I can be today, and I know it’s been said before, but I guess all my experiences, good and bad, have brought me me to where and who I am today. xx
Thank you, Christine. I, too, have a boat load of stuff that’s been sunk in the sea of forgiveness. Here’s a quote, by Corrie ten Boom, your comment reminded me of: “God takes our sins – the past, present, and future, and dumps them in the sea and puts up a sign that says NO FISHING ALLOWED.” Here’s a link to some more encouraging words by her and a bit of her bio. And I agree our past is used to mold us into something marvelous. <3 http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/40-powerful-quotes-from-corrie-ten-boom.html
Thank you Wendy, what a fabulous quote, I love it. I will check outthe link X
I was checking Youtube and found this song for those days when the past tries to drag us down (I’m a fan of Casting Crowns): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyoVJfADlwo
Just listened to it Wendy, it’s really lovely, thank you xx
Such a lovely testimony….and a lovely poem..God’s Word will not return void.. Amen
Amen, indeed, Daniella. We need to wear God-glasses to avoid tripping over trials and doubts .
amen!! 🙂
I love this post Wendy.. so encouraging and such a great reminder of how much God does and how just a little bit of obedience goes a long way.
oxo Alicia
So true, Alicia. <3 His yoke is easy. I need to remember this when fear rears itself. Thank you, dear friend.
A really special post today Wendy, I think just about all of us feel as if we failed to respond properly to the questions of God at some time or another; I know I do. I guess we need to remember that in spite of our inabilities, the “convincing” is actually done by the Holy Spirit. All we can do is answer honestly, pray constantly, and live as if we believe what we’re telling them. The rest is between them and God.
I love your comment, Gene. Your advice is especially applicable to parenting—“live as if we believe what we’re telling them. The rest is between them and God.” I’ll be keeping this mind as I “pray constantly”. Thank you.
Well said!
Beautiful
Thank you. 🙂
I can relate to much of what you’ve shared here. Sometimes I’ve felt I’ve not said enough, and sometimes I think I say too much! I’m so glad the Lord turns all things for good. 🙂 Prayer of course is vital in all things! I think how we live everyday can be a great witness to people. When I was saved at 24, many people were surprised at the changes in me and my life. I’m so thankful to God for my life in Him. I really enjoy your posts; always encouraging. Thank you. .. and I love Corrie Ten Boom’s books too!
Thank you, Janette, for your inspiring comment. I’ve definitely said too much at times. When people are surprised by my past, it reminds me how far God has already transformed me—that speaks volumes. Blessings on your weekend, friend.
Wonderful post, Wendy. We never know the impact we have on others either my our words or our actions. What’s even more awesome is that like a rock thrown in a bottom, what we say and do reaches out like the ripples from the rock and they keep on going touching others we may never know or meet. Hugs, N 🙂 <3
Thank you, Natalie. Hugs. I’ve thanked people who’ve had the courage to speak truth-with-love into my life. Yes, I like the idea of initiating ripples of love and Light that reach out long after I’m gone. <3
You provided just the right “word in season”. Just a wonderful and powerful testimony, Wendy. <3
Thank you, dear Tracy. I hope your summer was fun, restful, and inspiring.
Beautiful story Wendy.
Thank you, Kath.
A powerful post, Wendy. I like the answer you gave. And especially that you prayed.
Thank you, Cynthia. Short words and long patience in prayer is the key I need to keep turning.
Wendy, I like the answer that you gave him but what I like more is your commitment to pray for Him. Salvation comes form God and you interceded on that man’s behalf. You gave him a wonderful gift. Your post reminds me of the power of prayer and that helps me in the storm that is raging in my life right now. My husband and I are depending on God through the prayers of many to see us through our trial. Thank you for your faith and blessing me with this post. Nancy
Thank you, dear Nancy. May the Lord shelter you with His peace and shower you with the joy of answered prayer in this storm. Hugs & prayers.
Beautiful post, yet again, Wendy. It is never what we say but how much unconditional love we can spread lavishly to everyone who crosses our pathway. There are many different pathways that lead us to God and in His goodness he provides them to suit each person, whether they have taken their first steps toward living a Christ-centered life or not. Each and all will awaken when the time is right for them. In the meantime we pray for all and send non judgemental love to them all.
Thank you, Mary. Yes, God has a unique plan for each of us. It’s an amazing adventure to see how life unfolds for us and those we love and pray for. His path is perfect.
Both your poem and the experience you shared have touched me. The poem sounds like one of my own prayers. The question about church attendance is one that I think about a lot…have thought about a lot for more than a decade. I have done a lot of reading and contemplating about what the church really is, and what might qualify as “assembling” that some people might refuse to acknowledge as authentic assembling…as valid.
Blessings,
Theresa
Theresa, I agree that ‘assembling’ may look different for each of us. Home churches, similar to the New Testament gatherings, can be as edifying and glorifying as (or more than) a traditional church. Christ is present where two or more gather in His name. And we know in some places the true church has gone underground for safety and survival. The key is assembling in whatever way God has called us as an individual. Blessings & hugs.
Your post and poem were thought provoking and well written as always. I actually never care that much about what people say when it comes to their beliefs, I am watching what they do. According to this, you are a very uplifting, kind and encouraging person, and whether you are attending or not attending a church would change nothing since everything lives in our heart and comes from our internal richness. People who have nothing to share because all they care about is appearances and how it looks and how it will be considered are the ones I’m avoiding. One can talk for hours about their love to others and then go and take advantage of some people who are less fortunate. I like what you’re saying and doing because that’s a never ending job to help with our souls and understanding of meaningful things in our lives.
Inese, you’re so correct it’s what’s in our heart that counts. When Jesus was on the earth, He spoke against hypocrisy in a big way. Christ rebuked the ‘religious’ people. Here’s a classic example you may remember from Matthew 12:34: “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”He nailed it. And then He allowed himself to be nailed to a cross to pay for those who would humble themselves and turn from sin to Him. That’s my kind of Hero. Love. Pure Love. Blessings, and thank you for your thoughtful words. I know I need His grace—daily. I fail and fall off the path, but He always finds me. xo