Stories of Faith
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. –Ephesians 1:11-1
On Sunday evenings, our family usually goes over to Jamalyn’s parents’ home to enjoy dinner together. As you might imagine, at least part of the dinner conversation is dedicated to what we all saw and experienced at church that morning. On the evening after our 25th anniversary service, there was lots to talk about to celebrate together.
At one point, Lois asked me: “What year did you graduate from Duke?”
“2001,” I said. “Why do you ask?”
“Well,” she mused, “it’s just incredible to think that while you were studying to become a pastor, the church here was planning and constructing the building where you would someday serve.”
As we were celebrating 25 years of ministry in our current building, I was also celebrating 25 years of full-time ministry. Frankly, the thought had not occurred to me until that moment, and it floored me. Of course when I graduated from seminary, I had no knowledge of where my path would lead. But God was already at work, preparing the path along which He would lead me!
While I was on Sabbatical this summer, Jon Ellegood put out a call for church members to share stories of faith—either remembrances of their experiences here at ZUMC, or stories from their own personal journeys with God. For the next few weeks, we will share these stories as daily “devotions” delivered to your email. In some cases, we will provide short introductions, just to set the context for the stories they will share. (Our comments will always be italicized, to set them apart from the words that our church members have written.)
This week all the devotions will center on the construction and dedication of our church building. As you read these stories, I hope they’ll help you reflect on the many ways that God has been working in your life, perhaps even years before you realized it!
Thank you, Lord, for the outworking of Your grace. Remind me, O Lord, that Your Spirit is always moving, and that You are leading us along paths that You have prepared long before our knowing. May we trust in Your guidance and leadership, now and always. Amen.
--Pastor Dave