Words to Grow On

May 15, 2006

“Look at God”

By

Ann Bennett

“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

Romans 8:28

The empty nest syndrome hit home as - “one by one” - our two daughters moved to South Carolina. It wasn’t too long after that my sister and friend moved South with her family. My life was feeling empty and I wondered where was God?  Ken and I realized we needed a change and prayed about our future.

One of the most upsetting experiences of my life happened a year ago.  We decided to pack up and move, but “where”?  Doors were closing everywhere except southwest Jersey; an hour from my old neighborhood and church home.  Ken and I trusted the leading of the Holy Spirit and moved the end of summer 2003.

The house is beautiful, but I did not feel at home. It was hard for me to understand how Ken could be so content in his new surroundings and I was so unhappy.  Dealing with road construction, crowded highways and a long commute to work was not my idea of how to begin my day!  But every morning I would listen to 99.1 Christian radio which would cause me to look at God and receive His blessing.

One of our concerns was where to attend worship.  We attended The Salvation Army Corps (church) in our old neighborhood in NJ and I didn’t want to leave my friends in Women’s Ministries fellowship. I love my ladies and knew I would be hurt deeply to walk away; yet God had plans for me to make new friends elsewhere.  

Traveling a long distance to worship on Sunday mornings became a concern, especially during inclement weather. We knew God was leading us to make a decision so we visited local churches.  Also, Ken worried about me driving home alone at night after women’s fellowship or church council meetings.  I could not see or understand what God was doing in my life … where was God? 

Driving home late one evening during a driving rain I decided to pull off the road into a safe place – a Dunkin Donuts parking lot.  I was feeling tired, alone, and forgotten. While sitting in my car, sipping my coffee, I lashed out in anger, “Why God? Why would you take me so far away from all I had known for more than 30 years and drop me in the middle of “nowhere” land?”  Once again, I wondered where was God?  I asked God to give me a sign and show me which way to go!  In quiet time, I felt His presence, “trust me, Ann”.  Look at God.

A dear friend and prayer warrior, encouraged me to be patient and spend more time in prayer.  She did not want us to leave the church in Montclair, but she was God’s messenger. She said:  “As corps officers (pastor) move – soldiers, too, must be obedient to where God is calling them to minister.” Look at God!

Jesus was using messengers through worship and my devotions to speak to me.  Verses in Isaiah and Jeremiah were everywhere: “Be still and know that I am God” and “He had plans not to harm me but to use me to build His kingdom”.   I was reminded to trust God with my life.  Look at God!

As God allowed me to see how He was carefully putting everything into place, it soon became evident that Ken and I would become part of a new family of believers at The Salvation Army in Flemington, NJ.  After a few Sundays, we felt right at home.  We were greeted by a warm and loving fellowship.  God has a plan for us!

A favorite scripture hangs in my office – Romans 8:28: “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”  I thank God for his patience with me.  We just don’t see God in everything we do, but God is there all the time.  Look at God!

Ken and I attend a weekly Bible study and after a few more rehearsals, we will resume using our God-given gift as musicians (after more than twelve years).  I trust we are in good hands!  This is my closer walk with God –While taking your daily walk … are you remembering to “stop” and look at God