My Journey to the Local Church, and beyond...

[UntoHim]

NeitherFirstnorLast,

Unfortunately for me, I can relate to your situation. Sometimes it can feel like you are in between a rock and a hard place. I think you can be assured, eventually, that it was God that put you in this place. Doesn't seem so pleasant right now, but time has a tendency to clarify things. In the mean time there is some frustration and some hurting to go through. My suggestion would be to turn to the Psalms. King David had enemies - some from without (the nations) and some from within (his own family). Some of the opposition and troubles came from the devil, some of the troubles came of his own doing. So many of the Psalms express both sides of the coin, so to speak. I am NOT saying that what is happening with you fits so neat and tidy into a form, or that what is written their in the Palms is the cure-all to your situation, only that they may give you some needed perspective or insight.

Back a number of years ago, as I was looking back at some similar things the Lord was putting me through, I wrote the following. I really wrote it to myself more than to anyone else, or any group of people.

Please don’t rush right through this, there’s something to this story,
in the end you may find that it’s God Who gets the glory.
The theme of this is not so new, in fact it’s rather old,
you may have heard it once before; all that glitters is not gold.

You need not wonder much for whom this is intended,
for the answer will depend upon who is the most offended.
So you’ll know just who you are if indeed you fit the mold,
of one who has not yet seen; all that glitters is not gold.

Once upon a time our God revealed Himself right to you,
it seemed He cast away your sin and then made all things new.
Praise Him! For this really did take place just as it’s told,
but while we’re still on this earth; all that glitters is not gold.

So the promises of God are unshakable as earth,
but the promises of man, just take them for what their worth.
The words of man are just words, even spoken loud and bold;
Volume only counts with God; all that glitters is not gold.

Oh never be mistaken not all things are from above,
so be wise as a serpent not just harmless as a dove.
Oh dear saints take careful stock, for the wood and hey you’re sold
will not make it through the fire; all that glitters is not gold

Prophets rise and prophets fall of this we can be sure,
but only time can tell us if their prophecies endure.
Some will build their own kingdom and then leave you in the cold,
take it from someone who knows; all that glitters is not gold.

As prideful as we people are no one thinks they’ve been deceived,
yet His Word says test the spirits, not just any to receive.
A wolf in sheep’s clothing may have brought you to his fold,
better find out late then never; all that glitters is not gold.

So don’t be surprised to learn that you’re under such a spell,
and come to find “the gospel truth” is really just The Gospel!
Now you cannot say to me you’ve never once been told,
the plain and simple truth is; all that glitters is not gold.