Friday, March 21, 2008

God is in Control

Last night I went to the "Passion: A Worship Experience" at Bethel Church. It was about innocence lost and how worldly passions and pursuits can draw us away from God. It was about all the chains that we collect and how Jesus died for us....removing those chains.

A couple weeks ago, we were told to write a name on the wall (at church) of someone that you want to take to the Passion. I simply wrote "Jodi." God is so much bigger than us...just as his plans are. I asked Jodi and she came and brought five of her friends!

To me, what was kind of an "after thought", (obviously God's plan) I also invited a couple gals that I work with, Debbie and Lexie. I want to tell you about Lexie's experience.

The "Passion Experience" is very convicting and wonderful. I didn't know why but as I watched, I found that my heart was beating hard and I was shaking. I felt the need to stand and hold my hands up during the singing. Lexie sat and watched...didn't sing...and got up to go to the bathroom during a prayer.

After it was over and we were leaving the church Lexie said to me excitedly, "Barb, I'm so glad you brought me! That was me up there with all those chains. It was me. As I watched I found that my heart was beating hard and I was shaking." She laughed..."I had to go to the bathroom."

I was able to say "My heart was beating hard and I was shaking too!" We were able to talk and share the experience together. It gave us common ground opening a door for discussion. Lexie told me: "I know now that my marriage is going to be saved. It's all about God. I can't wait to get home to tell my husband about tonight." Wow!

This morning I look back. My simple plan was to bring one person to the Passion. God planned for me to bring eight people. It changed one of those people's lives and planted seeds of thought in other seven. How narrow is my vision is compared to God's. I woke up this morning with the song "God is in Control" playing in my head. How true! God IS in control. Isn't it fun when we get a glimpse of his plan and it's even better when he uses us in his plan!