Friday, August 1, 2014

God is faithful!

Given the nature of the spiritual journey, many will have this shared testimony “I grew up in the church and knew of God but wasn't committed to God”; likewise, I had experienced a sporadic relationship with God from youth to my young adult years. . .” But when I was nineteen years old God rattled me with a  statement of purpose:

“I want you to preach my Word!”

While in Basic Training preparing to serve in the United States Army, I heard the Holy Spirit distinctly as I kneeled in prayer during chapel service, “Marcus, I want you to preach My Word!”  Although, I had no doubt God was calling me, I focused on my sin, limitations and weaknesses spending years avoiding and dismissing my purpose.  I could only see my present and past failings. But God continued pursuing me and reminding me "greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world".  Throughout my young adult follies, I would hear the Holy Spirit’s encouragement “For I know the plans I have for you! They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”.  I tried to escape my call but

God is faithful!

My biggest fear and resistance to my call wasn’t preaching or people, I feared being a preacher who served two masters. Once I decided to commit to pursuing my call, I realized I hadn’t been repentant and fully given myself to Jesus. However, as I made that pivotal decision, my entire life transformed. I became clear about my call, my purpose and the direction of my life. I gained a greater understanding of God’s faithfulness and Psalm 37:5, “Commit everything to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you” became an endearing scripture.

In June, many years after hearing God’s call while kneeling in an Army chapel at Ft. Knox, KY,   I knelt before my Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett (who is from Kentucky) and she charged me, “Marcus, Take thou authority and preach the Word of God. . .” I have no doubt God is faithful and throughout my journey toward ordination I discovered God waits for our faithful response.  

To what or whom is God waiting for you to commit? Perhaps, you have wavered in your commitment to Jesus? in a relationship with someone? a career, starting a business or non-profit, etc.? Today is your opportunity to commit to and know the plans God has for you.  
   
God is faithful and awaits our faithful response!
-- 
INSPIRED BY LOVE, 
Pastor Marcus J. Singleton
Living Faith Community 

Join us on Sundays at 10am:
Oxmoor Valley Community Center
1992 Wenonah Oxmoor Road
Birmingham, AL 35211

Visit our website: www.LivingFaithCommunity.org



Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples".

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