It’s easy to point to City Station and see that God is on the move in a big way. He is doing an amazing work through our church and in this community. Over the past few months, we’ve had a lot of questions about City Station and it’s progress. Elbow deep in planning, I’ve found it’s also easy to forget that City Station isn’t the only thing God is doing.
This past weekend I traveled to Tennessee with Corey to visit his mentor and provide coaching for other pastors. While there, I attended a woman’s Bible Study with his mentor’s wife. While mingling I met a woman from a “random” country where I happen to have missionary friends. We talked about their work, the need for Christ in the country, and our shared heart for the people. I was reminded of what God is doing on the other side of the world and was taken back by how He orchestrated this chance meeting.
I also met a college student who, like me, was there for the first time. I learned in one night, God wrecked Francis’ life plan of working in the music industry. On a whim, she went to church with a friend and God moved. She accepted Christ, surrendered her life, changed her career path, and transferred schools. A year later she’s heading towards a degree in social work, planning to help the homeless and finds herself surrounded by women pursuing hard after Christ.
One of the pastors at the retreat had one of the craziest stories I’ve heard. At the age of 13, Alison knew God was calling her to be a Children’s Pastor. Her testimony of getting in and then out of show business in L.A., becoming known in her area for public speaking, and then finally landing in ministry is clearly God-ordained. She tells is all so casually, giving God the glory for all her victories.
Bringing it back home, Chris and Patti Carnes are living proof that God is up to something. Their story is reaching people far outside our “circle” and demonstrating the faithfulness of our good Father. I have no doubt that those around Chris and Patti are seeing Christ shine through them.
This weekend I was reminded that God is so much bigger and grander than my mind can comprehend. He sees all and knows all and is intimately involved in every breath we breathe.
As you go about your week, ask God to open your eyes to how He is working in both small and big ways in the lives of those around you.
