By: Debbie Wilson
“If you started a church, what would you name it?” My friend’s question startled me. But a name immediately came to mind.
On the drive home, I pondered her question and the ease with which the answer had come to me. I reminded the Lord of our little strength and asked, “You can’t be telling us to start a church, can you?”
As if in response to my question, I remembered the Scripture, “I know that you have little strength.” I couldn’t wait to get home and read the context.
I opened my Bible and read, “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Rev. 3:8). As I read further, the words continued to speak to me.
Over the next months, my husband and I couldn’t avoid the steady stream of apparent indications that God wanted us to start a church. We resisted because we didn’t see how this could be. My husband, Larry, had no desire to be a pastor. Neither of us had the energy to add something like this to our lives.
One day, after another apparent confirmation, I told Larry, “I feel we are being disobedient if we don’t at least try.”
He said, “If God wants me to start a church, I need someone to say to me, ‘This area needs a church pastored by Larry Wilson.’ Then I’ll know it’s God.”
“If that is what you need, let’s ask him.” We did.
The next day we celebrated the Fourth of July with some friends in Southport, North Carolina. During lunch, an out-of-town friend who had previously attended our Sunday school class years earlier stopped by our table. He pointed to Larry and said, “What Cary, North Carolina needs is a church like The Walkers [our former Sunday school class] with Larry Wilson as the pastor.”
Goosebumps ran up my arms as he walked away. We had told no one about our fleece.
Soon after the encounter, we started our church. Through this venture, Larry and I learned to trust the Lord in ways we never had before. We experienced incredible spiritual growth walking this path with each other and the Lord. We learned to redefine church and success. God didn’t want this to be like any church we’d ever been part of. He knew our strengths and weaknesses. He’d supply strength, people, and guidance as we went. Success was obeying God in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results with him.
Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” I’ve found God often directs me as I go—after I surrender to Him.
Surrender to Christ brings me peace. When unsettled, I usually need to let go of my idea of how something should go, my timetable, and my expectations and let Christ rule. When I’ve placed those things in God’s capable hands, the incomparable peace of God soothes my soul.
Has your peace of mind been disturbed? If so, consider what you’re carrying that you can surrender to Christ.
Adapted from Little Strength, Big God.
Bio: Debbie W. Wilson is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and former Christian counselor who speaks and writes to connect fellow sojourners to the heart of Christ. She and her husband lead Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit Christian counseling and Bible teaching ministry. Connect with Debbie, find free resources, and learn about her books, including Little Strength, Big God, at debbieWwilson.com.
LUNCHEON REFRESH!
Spruced up seasonal salads (plated instead of buffet) for ladies who want to be fed physically and spiritually!
Nourishment for the Body: Taco Salad
Nourishment for the Soul: Debbie W. Wilson – LITTLE STRENGTH BIG GOD
MORE FOR LESS – COME JOIN US:
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2023, as we launch our new luncheons and Debbie Wilson’s latest Book, Little Strength, Big God
11:30 -1:00pm
IN-PERSON – NEW PRICE!!!
$15 / $20 AT THE DOOR