Confirmation From an Unexpected Source
By Stan Carlock
For 2 years I have lead worship at my church. That all came to an end this past week. I have been sitting here for a few days wondering if the decision I have made to leave my church this past Sunday and look for another church was the right decision. I felt in my heart that it was the right choice, but have been praying for a confirmation from the Lord to let me know I was taking the right road.
I’ve been worried about the people I left behind, hoping God would take care of them and send them another worship leader.
I opened up my Myspace page this morning and there was one friend request. I didn’t know the person or recognize the name, so I went to look at the profile. It was set to private. I looked at what little I could without adding this person and was blown away by what I read. Next to the girl’s profile picture in large words was written, “Don’t worry about the people in your past; There’s a reason they didn’t make it to your future”. This came from a 14 yr. old girl that lives in Iowa! You talk about an unexpected source for a confirmation from God!
I sat and pondered on that statement for a while and after praying, decided to add her as a friend. I sat there thinking about how hurt I was from the whole experience of leaving my church, moving on and being shunned by some of the folks that I thought would be understanding for my reasons for leaving (long story!). I tell you honestly that it was one of the most difficult days in my life and only a few of the people I had poured my heart out to for 2 years even showed us they loved us and would miss us.
The pastor didn’t even announce that it was our last Sunday! While sitting there feeling sorry for myself, I clicked on my new friend’s profile pic and pulled up her page. Right there on her page was another quote that spoke to me. It said, “Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from accomplishing your dreams. People that bring you down simply should not be in your life”. On the top was another quote that said, “She smashed the rear view mirror because starting today, she’s never looking back!”
Today I smashed my mirror. I’m not looking back. I’m gonna keep pressing forward. If you have to make difficult decisions in your life in order to follow God, remember this: The Spirit of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you. Let God lead you, follow your dreams and remember to listen for that “still small voice” of God as he tells you which way to go in this thing we call life. Love you all. Until next time, keep your head up and keep pressing on…
