It means he has dedicated his life's work to be for God...
It means when he tried to deny his calling...he was brought back to it, over and over...until at last he answered the challenge...
It means when he thought his life was at the end, and he closed his eyes for what he believed was the last time...he awoke from a coma with a purpose...
It means when he use to line up his stuffed animals at the age of 7 to "preach" to them...that was just a warm up ;)...
It means suffering isn't always for nothing...but for preparation.
It means real men worship God...
It means God forgives...
It means God changes lives...
It means I am witnessing a living miracle....
because if you would have told me even 5 years ago I'd be married to a Pastor today I would never have believed you...and not because Nathanael wasn't always a believer, he was...but because the pieces didn't line up to this, it didn't equate...it just didn't appear to be the journey....
until now...
hindsight really is 20/20....
"When God gets us alone through suffering, heartbreak, temptation, disappointment, or sickness - when He gets us absolutely alone, and we are totally speechless, unable to ask even one question, then He begins to teach us." , Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
"God cannot use mightily the man whom he has not wounded deeply." AW Tozer
"Whatever brings you to your knees in weakness carries the greatest potential for your personal success and spiritual victory." Charles Stanley
No man can follow Christ and go astray. ~William H.P. Faunce
The licensing....
The prayer written and given by Nathanael's grandfather, Ted:
Dear Father in heaven,
We rejoice in what you have done IN and THROUGH Nathanael’s life as he has grown in the grace, knowledge and in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you that he has now been singled out by a thoughtful and loving pastor and the gracious leaders of this Church for special recognition; the setting apart and commissioning to serve You in ministry.
We know that You are “able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we could ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” Thank you for the calling and election made evident in the stirrings of Your Spirit within Nathanael’s heart and consequently, the decisions and commitments he has made to Your will for his life.
We thank you for Norina who lovingly stands beside him and shares in this journey of faith and service. Bless her and little Zechariah, that they as a family will be used to glorify You and serve others along the way.
Give Nathanael in his leadership role a sweet spirited wholeness and winsomeness. Fill him with an uncommon awareness of his need for You; fill him with an unusual filling and anointing of your Holy Spirit, fill him with undaunted courage and persistence in the face of difficulties that will inevitably come.
May he draw deeply from the rich well of Your grace. May Nathanael be irrevocably committed to the gospel of the Grace of God, the exposition of the Living Word of God, and faithful and loving service to others. May he be tender, humble and willing to accept mentoring from those who have loved him and continue to care. Keep him on his knees, learning the power and effectiveness of prayer.
Father, as a good Shepherd, go before Nathanael and Norina and lead them in a plain path to do Your will. Keep them secure in each others love, heal damaged relationships and give them great success in their lives. Humble them under your mighty hand; lift them up and most of all multiply their giftedness to extend and enrich the Body of Christ. We ask this expectantly and believingly in the wonderful name of our Savior and Lord.
Amen and Amen.
Thanks to all who came out to witness and support this event. We love you.
1 comment:
Wow!!! This is so amazing. I am thrilled for the journey that God has called you both to be a part of....nothing short of amazing! Btw- I just realized that your blog isn't updating on my " blogs I follow" list so I just saw these! hmmm...I wonder why it's not updating??
Post a Comment