Church is best when... it's convicting.

From the couch of Chris...

One of the things that we missed most while we were in China was good, corporate worship. Don't get me wrong, it was nice to spend Sundays with our team, leading music and spending time together. But before we went to China Allie and I were members at the 4th largest Christian church in America, so we were used to a little more.

It's been such a change to go from 2 years in China of not really having church "options" to spending 2 months in America "church shopping." Really, we've only been split between 2 churches: one that most of our friends go to (Church of the Apostles)  and one that we went to in college (The Summit). I've really been struggling with whether or not we should just go to the church that all of our friends go to. After all, we moved to Raleigh for community, and here it is, nicely gift-wrapped for us. So, we've spent most of our Sundays in town visiting Apostles.

Today we went to The Summit for the first time since being back. And I must say, God did amazing things in our hearts while we were there. The main pastor had just returned from a trip overseas to support people that were serving throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. His words resonated with us in a way that made us feel like "Yes... finally someone is describing exactly what we've experienced the past 2 years... this is meeting us right where we are!" Most importantly, God spoke to my heart in a moment of conviction. You see, I'd really love to just go to the church that all my friends go to, because that's what I want. It's what I think would make relationships (and life) easier. But God touched my heart today and said "You know, I asked to you leave your family, friends, and everything you knew for 2 years, and you said yes. You trusted Me then, so how could you say "no" now if I tell you to go to church 15 minutes away from most of your friends? Will you not trust me now?"

Man... that was hard to hear, but what I needed to hear. I hope to lead our family to always say "yes" to God, especially when it's not what I want. It's a hard message to hear, a harder message to follow, but the greatest thing you can do with your life.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -- Jeremiah 29:11