Sunday, November 5, 2017

My Spiritual Spinning Class

One Tuesday evening in March of this year, I plopped down in my friends chair in her home preparing for our regular Tuesday night Bible Study with a big sigh that came out of me. Linda asked, “Why the big sigh, Seda?” I thought about why I sighed, I mean I sigh pretty regularly throughout the day—either to catch my breath, or out of relief, or I have no words for this situation. I responded, “You know, Linda, I feel like I’m in a spinning class—but, a spiritual one if you will or so I hope.”

Lately, I have been quite frustrated with the way things are going at church. Yes, I’ll be absolutely honest. I just don’t feel like we are moving and growing spiritually as a church. Maybe, it’s just me because my husband appears enthusiastic, encouraged, and motivated after service every Sunday. I mean every Sunday! As soon as we leave church and get into our car on our way to brunch, he is just filled with emotions and excitement on what he has learned that he cannot wait and hold off on saying something before we even leave the parking lot. I used to be that way; I had that kind of enthusiasm. But, now…what happened? Instead, I find myself doodling on the sermon notes in church while pastor is preaching. I used to take notes vigorously and throughout the week I would go through what I’ve learned from pastor and try to apply it to my daily living. Some weeks, those notes and lessons were so worth sharing that I would try and relive and retell the sermon to my friend Linda.
I have felt restless lately as though I’ve heard our pastor preaching on that same topic or subject last year and the year before and the year before that. But, I know and would like to acknowledge that each time I hear it, he presents it in a different light and approach. This is truly valid because some require hearing it in a different analogy, perspective, or angle. Just like in the Bible, the writers reiterated many times on the same topics over and over but in a different time, place, and environment. So, the question remains—shouldn’t I still be able to relate? Like how seasons change in our lives? So, shouldn’t something else in the sermon stand out at me and speak to my heart? Maybe I really am not paying attention or opening up my heart to God. Maybe I need to wake up the Holy Spirit that is supposed to be alive in me.
And, my final question is: am I in a stagnant phase, spiritually speaking, or am I ready for the next thing as a maturing Christian? I have asked God, I have communed with Him, and I’ve shared this with my wise and godly counsel and sister in Christ, Linda. Currently, I am in the “Spiritual Spinning Class.” Maybe I am just waiting for my husband to catch up while I build spiritual endurance by getting into The Word daily, hearing and soaking in what Pastor Ken has to share on Sunday mornings (after all, he has been anointed by God and given the gift of the Holy Spirit to speak to us so we can grow in Christ and have an everlasting relationship with Him), listening to other great pastors out there like Chip Ingram, Pastor Paul of Fremont, CA, and Rick Warren, and most importantly, by rejoicing in the Lord always by prayer and petition (Philippians 4:4-9, NIV). As I keep in step with all of these points of obedience in love, I am surely on the right path of spiritual growth and endurance. I don’t know what race or marathon God is preparing me for with this spiritual spinning class, but I am absolutely excited!
Let’s pray: Dear Heavenly Father, the Creator of this Universe, and the Planner of all things that go on in life— I come to You today asking for help and guidance to be in your will, your love, and your holy presence. I know that sometimes, Lord, I get distracted thinking that I have already ran that marathon, but may You open up my heart to many more marathons for You. And, You know that in order for me to run my marathon well, I need spiritual endurance. May You continue to grow me spiritually by coming to You and depending on You more and more that I cannot go on in this world without You because I am so dependent upon You. This is what You want, this is your will! Let my mornings be filled with excitement when I come to You as I seek for help from You for each and every day. I love You—and may that love be radiated to those around me.
In your Son’s great and glorious name I pray, Amen.
Let me close with this wonderful scripture (a favorite of mine) JoJo Garcia has shared with me this morning after service (November 5th, 2017): “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”—Romans 8:28 NKJV

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