– Monday Muse –
Dear One, after moving to Traverse City in 1966, Ron and I attended three different churches before joining the one we have attended since the 70’s. We did not visit the church as seekers, we were there to witness the baptism of a niece. After sitting through a single service, it became our church. For it held something we did not at the time recognize or even know enough to be looking for. Later, we came to understand that the intense draw was the Presence of the Holy Spirit.
An important aside; such decisions, like all decisions
to move closer to God, causes Satan to try and change
our minds. Always be aware that the battle between
good and evil, God and Satan is not make-believe. If
you are where Satan wants you, he will not bother
you…much, but move toward God, and he will get to
work to win you back. Thankfully God is more
powerful than Satan. When needed, call out to God,
and Satan will flee (James 4:7), but don’t quit calling.
At church I got to know a couple a little older than me, but much deeper in their faith walk. Through them I saw faith in action in a wide variety of ways. Their example continually strengthened my faith. Some many years later, I mentioned to the wife that I considered her, and her husband, my mentors. She looked pleased, but surprised. So, I offered a few examples of what I meant.
Now fast forward to a few months ago. I was just getting ready to leave the church, when a woman came up to me, and said, “Thank you. Thank you for being a mentor to me.” I know I looked surprised, for I was. With that, she began listing how I had mentored her. It seemed so very little, and yet it was evident that it meant a great deal to her. We embraced, she added that she loved me. I felt unworthy of her gratitude, but then I remembered my mentors, and I understood. And I was grateful, grateful to my mentors, and grateful to God.
For the pattern of learning from a ‘spiritually’ older follower of Christ, and then modeling it for another is of God’s design. And it is clearly evident that Christ’s followers do not go unnoticed.
Who might be watching? We never know, do we? But, we can be sure of this – someone is. The truth is, how we respond to God’s call today can strengthen or hinder, the faith walk of anyone – be it friend, foe or stranger.
“Join together in following my (Paul) example, brothers
and sisters, and just as you have us (disciples) as a model,
keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” Philippians 3:17
Blessings,
Susanne
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