I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. – (Philippians 1:3-5, HCSB)
I thank God every time I remember you. And I always pray for all of you with joy. I thank God for the help you gave me while I told people the Good News. You helped from the first day you believed until now. – (Philippians 1:3-5, ERV)
Whenever you cross my mind, I thank my God for you and for the gift of knowing you. My spirit is lightened with joy whenever I pray for you (and I do constantly) because you have partnered with me to spread the gospel since the first day I preached to you. – (Philippians 1:3-5, VOICE)
Yesterday, we had a send off for our pastors as they served their last Sunday at Grace. It is always bittersweet when pastors are called to a new assignment, and this change of position is no exception. Pastor Omar began his sermon yesterday with this, (or a similar passage), and I know it truly is the heart of he and Misty. The two jumped in from day one, investing in the lives of those in our church and our community. I know everyone has stories they can tell of their faithfulness and love, and my household is no exception. The two entered into our lives when my husband and I were dating, and were the ones who counseled us and then married us. Later, they were an integral part of those who stepped in to help transport my teens to places they needed to go while I was away for a few months to help my mom, after a significant, life-altering medical emergency. Later, when one of our kids was struggling, they welcomed and encouraged him as he discovered the depth of God’s love for him and the power of friendships that are rooted in love and grace. There have been countless times that one, the other, or both of them checked in with, encouraged, challenged, and loved each of us. Our lives are better because God brought them in. Though it is sad to see them go, I know that God will be using them for even greater things in their new assignments. As a bonus, they will remain local, so they will still be nearby. What I have learned as I reflect on each of the three sets of senior pastors I have known at Grace, I can see clearly the blessing each couple was in my life in different seasons. Though we know not who the new pastors will be, I know that God will do wonderful things both in and through them. My prayers will be of thanksgiving as I remember, and of blessing and protection as they go forth into the new. May we ever thank God for His goodness and His provision of the right people to rise up and lead and speak to the spaces of our heart that most need to hear.
I always thank God,
when I think of you;
your faithful kindness,
and care that is true.
You loved and you served,
with goodness and grace;
your lives had impact,
on all in this place.
Now as you go forth,
as you have been called;
you’re loved and covered,
in these city walls. (and beyond)
All thanks to the Lord,
Who knows ev’ry need;
supplies in His love,
so His ways succeed.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of pastors in our lives, for they are people whom You bring for a season and a reason, as all seek to grow closer to You. Thank You for the gift that the Laras have been to Federal Way, to Grace, and to our family. Forgive us for not thanking You enough and for not covering those whom You have called to lead as much as we ought to. Quicken to our minds and hearts to pray continually for those whom You have called. Show us how to love and care for others well, much in the same way that You care for each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You continually and lift up those whom You have placed in our lives to lead. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
I always thank my God for you because of God’s grace given to you in Christ Jesus, that by Him you were enriched in everything – in all speech and all knowledge. – 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
Revelations In Writing 