Recently, I’ve had a couple interactions with people that have made me think, “Forefront is amazingly being moved by the hand of God.” Names aren’t mentioned. But for every one of these guys, there are 10, 20, 30 more thinking some of the same things, going through some of the same stuff. It’s amazing what God is up to in their lives.
One guy I know was just recently confronted about his drinking problem. Had he been confronted before his days at Forefront, things would have gone very badly. But, what did he do. He said, “You’re right. I want to get help.” He’s already seeing God change His life and I am excited to see the big things He has in store for this guy as a part of Forefront.
Another guy, who had grown up in church was brave enough to share that he questions the Bible in sections. Isn’t sure about certain things, and wonders sometimes if it’s even true at all. We talked creation, dinosaurs, carbon dating, man eating whales, etc. I was impressed at how he articulated his fears and questions with me, not knowing how I would respond. That’s a lot of trust. But as he talked I thought, “Wow. How amazing is it that Forefront is a church where we can ask these kinds of things and not be judged or run off.” We talked, shared stories, and he was already cool in my book before, but after that he went up a few notches. Honesty is a big deal. He was transparent and is looking to see what’s next in his journey w/ God & Forefront. God has something awesome in store for this guy.
And, this one guy I met with doubts God’s promises. His promises of hope, redemption, and restoration. He isn’t sure if he needs God because life is alright so far without surrendering to him. We talked about how nothing out of the ordinary, hurtful or crazy has happened in his life. He said, “I guess God and I will find out if I trust Him when the $#@* hits the fan.” I admire his honesty. When the rubber meets the road, and we have to make a choice at who we’re going to follow, what’s it going to be? It took big hurtful circumstances to get me to surrender to God. Some people aren’t as stubborn. I wish I had been less so back then. It would have saved a lot of hurt. But, this guy is tracking. By tracking I mean he actually lives, moves and breathes more like a Christian than a lot of life time Christians I know. He desires to trust God, is looking to Him, and is making progress. All the while feeling safe enough to be a part of God’s church here at Forefront and look to a day when he hopes to trust God at His promises.
There was a time that stories & interactions like these would get me down.
I would ask, “Why don’t they get it?” or
“What could I do to make them see it?”
Now, I sit.
I sit and listen to them.
Speak when they ask.
Tell them I don’t know when I don’t know.
And I pray. I pray to God and thank Him for sending these guys.
Guys like them and families searching after a Mighty God.
He has the power to change minds, hearts, and lives.
My goal in life is to be a friend.
Regardless of where people are at or what anyone believes.
Forefront, I love you guys.
This church is AH-FREAKING-MAZING.
We all have a long way to go.
None of us have arrived.
But, I’m glad we’re walking it out together.
Remember guys… Nobody’s Perfect.
Whether it’s drinking, dinosaurs, Â or doubting God, we’re all in a process of moving along with Him.
But, the great part is, Anything’s Possible.
