Hey Thanks Jesus

This past year as a leader has put me in some tough spots. As a result, I have gotten closer to a few members more so than others. This I regret greatly, but I know that God is giving more time next semester to get to know my small group more. This is a continuous, never ending relationship between God, my small group, and I. And I for one, believe that love is patient.

In the beginning, I expected my small group to be the best. Perfect attendance, no quiet moments, and a lot of openness was just a few on my list. I expected growth and fruit bearing till they dropped like coconuts from the tree. My head was high and chin was up.

As the semester went on, something happened. Attendance dropped, people left early, excuses thrown everywhere. Where was the perfect little Small Group that I expected? All this "work" I put in and nothing.

Luke 17:11-19

This passage was given to me during the break at the Ambassadors' Thanksgiving dinner. The passage describes Jesus' encounter with 10 men who had leprosy on his way to Jerusalem. These 10 men were desperate for healing and because of their faith, was healed from their disease. The 10 men then ran off.

Just then, one of men came back praising God and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him. Verse 17 and 18, "Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?""

I will relate this to our fellow brothers and sisters. So often, have I felt frustration towards my more apathetic brothers and sisters. Where was the passion I asked myself? Why don't you want to go to Large Group today? Does anyone care about all the work that was put into making everything work on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays? I've seen the frustration in my fellow leaders faces and I ask the same question that Jesus asked.

With those that I meet up with and try to encourage, I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to nourish their growing hearts. But I believe that God has a plan for all of us. Even if only one person says, 'thank you Jesus' now, I know that You will never cease to work in us. Slowly, but surely. One man today, a few more tomorrow.

Amen.







PS. Never writing this late ever again. Thoughts jumbled. Incoherent. Blah.