And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
- Deut. 31:8
I like to think of myself as a leader. In most aspects of my day, I am just that. I teach fifth grade and I am the leader of my classroom. I often step up to take leadership roles within various committees inside and outside of school. I like to help others and being a leader allows me to do that.
Contrary to what I just stated, there are also times when I like to follow someone else. If I'm entering a place I've never been, I like to go in behind someone, let them lead the way. If I'm doing something new, I'll often look to the person with me and say, you go ahead first! I'll take my turn next. Perhaps it's the unknown that instills fear in me, or the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
Recently, my family has been trying to find a church home. It is probably one of the hardest decisions a family can make. Not only do I want to be "spiritually fed" but I want that for Camdyn as well. Going into a new church where you have never been, or not been many times is hard. Mentally, I go through a checklist before we go in: is everyone dressed okay? Is that shirt tail tucked in? Where do I take my child? Is there a class for her? I'll just watch and see what everyone else does. I hope no one turns around and stares when my daughter says something loudly, or in some churches, turn around even if I sneeze or sing a little loudly! (Thankfully that hasn't been the case lately!)
I tend not to go unless William is with me, because again, I want a leader at times. I want someone to ease my anxiety of a new place. Tonight however, William was working so I put on my "big girl" underwear and decided that Camdyn and I would go to Wednesday night service. This morning I was reading my bible and read Deuteronomy 31:8. He goes before me. Tonight as I rushed to get baths, supper cooked, and prepare to go to church, I was nervous to be going alone tonight but I kept hearing the verse I'd read earlier this morning. He goes before me. He will lead me through those church doors and he will calm my fears and anxieties once I'm there.
God is so good. He knows what I'm thinking before I think it and he has his hand on all that happens. I had a peace about going it alone tonight. I got there early and felt an excitement about church I haven't felt in quite some time. God is always right on time. Tonight, during service, one of the scriptures the pastor quoted was nothing less than Deut 31:8. I couldn't help but smile to myself and thank him for his blessing of encouragement to take myself and my baby to church tonight. What a blessing I received from it!
Tonight's post is nothing more than a praise report. I am thankful he led me to church tonight. I am thankful he went before me and led the way. I am thankful he gave me a blessing. I am thankful that he is all knowing and powerful.I am thankful that he lights my path.
Most of all, I feel he is working in my heart with finding a church to call home. He is guiding and directing my family, of that I'm sure. His spirit is strong and sweet and I'm so glad I'm his! Thank you lord for your blessings on me!