So, I gave a pretty exhausting testimony/message at North Side on Sunday. It had to do with my relationship with my dad and God teaching me what forgiveness truly means. I think the message is online now at the church’s website.
While in some ways I was dreading speaking on this topic because I couldn’t be “preachery” but I had to be real (I hate that stuff), on the way to church I was singing “Not to Us” by Chris Tomlin and reminding myself that it is not about my comfort, my preference, or even my reputation, it’s about God’s glory. And if He can change lives with my story, no matter how hard it is, it is worth it.
What’s so amazing is that God used it more than I ever could have possibly imagined. It reconciled people. It broke some people. And in an unexpected way, it actually saved some people. But I guess I am surprised because I forget how big God is and how powerful and trustworthy His Word is.
“Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea…” (Isaiah 30:18). People were actually saved and families restored on Sunday – and I had NOTHING to do with it. It wasn’t because I was holy or smart or compassionate. It was because I was OBEDIENT. God’s Word said in that passage, that He has told us how to live, and if He follow Him, amazing Kingdom things will come – but we just don’t believe Him.
This is the question going through my mind today: What type of Kingdom advance could happen on this earth if I obeyed every Word that has come from God?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
Travis, Travis, Travis,
Sunday’s message was so wonderful! I know how hard those extremely personal things are to share, but they really do change lives! God dwells in the middle of our pain and our humanity. When we let others see just how He got us through…BAM!!! (sorry Emeril) God IS bigger than the Boogy man!! So anyway- You did good youngin’. I am not at all surprised that people were saved and families reunited. Carry on!