“When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God —his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.”
1 Corinthians 2:1-13 NLT
I was an "okay" student in high school--got on the honor roll my last quarter due to taking 4 electives...I was PUMPED!!!! Then I went to a Christian college and found 5 groups to sing in...needless to say, my grades took the hit--I got my first F in Pre-Algebra. I took the class the next semester with the same teacher, the same work and similar tests...I pulled the grade up because I knew what to expect the second time around.
I was laid off last Thursday. While I was disappointed and down for a minute, I felt God say, "it's time. This was only for you for a short time."
I am here on my last official day because the last time I was laid off, I didn't have the ability to say goodbye to my staff or students. Knowing that God is in control, I can say goodbye and help ease the pain here at the campus for staff and students. Today, I have the chance to hug, talk to, play with and listen to the people who have in a short time become family. Today, I have been validated by the same students and staff and thanked for the work I have done this school year.
The scripture I offered for my worship thought (my duty was staff worship every Tuesday, so it was cool for me to be able to do it for the last time today) was 1 Corinthians 2:1-13, focusing on verse 9: No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God —his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
I shared that messages can be very simplistic in nature, based on the maturity and understanding of the people receiving the message. The deeper meaning can only be shared as we grow in our understanding. I recognized that from the beginning of school to now, I understand that my true purpose here was to impart wisdom to as many students as I could for the time I had them--which for some, was literally only a couple of weeks. I know that while I couldn't stay until the end of the school year, I was able to make an impact.
When I went through the first lay off seven years ago, I was crushed and it affected my confidence to the point where I couldn't listen to God's message moving me forward--the only thing that saved me was music. It was safe. Fear took over my ability to continue my career.
Now, I'm filled with a sense of excitement. I'm ready for the challenge of a new environment. I'm able to walk with confidence, knowing God's got a plan for me and I'm so ready to receive. I received awesome validation and appreciation from the staff after my worship, where I encouraged them to stay strong and keep doing what they do for these students. I also told them that I still believe in the vision of The Crossing South Bend and will forever consider myself to be part of the family.
God is great in giving us many different times to learn and I've definitely gotten on the other side of this one!!
When rough times come, don't do like I did the first time and almost give up; do like I did the second time and remain open to the messages God has for you. Let Him grow you! I don't know what's coming, but I DO know that God does!!!!!
ONWARD
#excited
#moretocome
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