Pray and Act

Back in 1978 while I was a young seminary student I had the privilege of working with Rev. John Grant at Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church in Raleigh. John relayed a story to me while we were experiencing conflict within the congregation.
In the 1950’s John had a colleague in the Asheville area who was the pastor of a church. God was working in the church, change was occurring, and 5 or 6 deacons didn’t like the direction that was being taken. These deacons decided to take action to have the pastor removed from his position thus eliminating the problem they perceived in the direction of the church. They set about a systematic plan to discredit him in the church. Private discussions were had as well as public opposition to the direction of the church was made. Every attempt at moving forward was thwarted by these deacons.

The story goes on to state that one of those deacons became ill and died. Another and then another were tragically killed. Within one year all of the deacons of this mountain church, who had set a course to stop God’s work within the congregation had died; all but one. The pastor received a call that the last of the deacons was in the hospital gravely ill. He had requested the pastor to come to visit him in the hospital. Upon entry into the hospital room this man confessed his sin and asked for forgiveness from the pastor. The pastor forgave this man. Then the pastor witnessed the final deacon’s death right before his eyes.

I am reminded that God is in control and He will not let anything or anyone stop the work of His church. I am reminded that the most important thing we can do is actively pray for God’s wisdom. Then we must be courageous and follow God’s leadership no matter what He asks of us. If we are earnestly seeking wisdom from God, acting with courage in situations that come our way, all will be well. When we take action without His leadership, going our own way, we will surely fall into trouble.

-LaCount Anderson