Sunday, March 18, 2007

The End Of A Season

**Exhale**

I have to say that I feel as if a thousand pounds have been lifted from my shoulders.

For those that haven't already heard, this morning I resigned as the Senior Minister at Antioch Mills, a church I have served for the last eight years and have come to dearly love. It was no doubt one of the most difficult things I've ever done. With having two services I've already shared it twice and can't must the emotional energy to share it a third time so I've added a link here if you would like to read it.

If I can be honest, there were times throughout this process that Satan tried to plant seeds of doubt and fear. "Are you an idiot Chad? What are you thinking? Are you sure you heard from the Lord? Is this really the wise thing to do?" And as I awoke this morning and the reality of what I was about to do hit me, I once again went to the Lord. And as I began to write in my prayer journal I wanted to ask the Lord for confirmation. I had asked for clarity many times over the last several months but this morning, I needed to hear from Him one more time.

And the coolest thing happened. As I turned the page to begin writing that prayer in my journal, I noticed that the scripture printed at the top of the page was Ecclesiastes 3:1, the very scripture that has been on my heart for the last several weeks and the very scripture I had already planned to share with my people today. I knew I had once again heard from the Lord and was making the right decision.

I'm thankful that we serve a God who meets us in our weakest moments and provides for us everything we need to take the next step.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, Chad... I feel so many emotions for you. Having resigned from churches myself 3 times I remember the flood of emotions that come at such a time. Yet I can honestly say that I've not had to do so with all the circumstances and emotional factors that you are. You're in my prayers and I hope that all goes well for you in the future. Not sure what your future plans are (only knowing your through this blog) but I know that God will bless them.

Anonymous said...

Good luck to you in your future journey. From just a reader of your blog, I do think you are making a very wise decision.

Anonymous said...

Chad, this morning in church, I know was very hard for you,I felt your emotions as did everyone else I am sure..I knew you were going to resign how could I not know..But it still wasnt any easier hearing it from you...I know you have made the right decision as hard as it was...I hope your future holds nothing but happiness for you and your new family...Were going too miss you a lot, but your not that far away..you can come visit..so with that said...God Bless you and your new family..And dont forget us...

violet and stan

Daniel said...

I can't imagine how you feel. Best wishes on your journey ahead.

Sandi said...

The Lord has brought you through so much, and HE will certainly guide you and bring you through.....

IF HE BRINGS YOU "TO IT"
HE WILL BRING YOU "THROUGH IT"

Morehart said...

God Bless you Brother

Anonymous said...

I couldn't bring myself to come to hear the message knowing what would follow. Chad, you will be so missed ! You know the members of Antioch will always be here for you and Emrie. Just because your leaving us :( doesn't mean that we are not all still connected. You are still a part of this family. We expect visits, phone calls, emails, more blogging :) We just pray that God will bless this new journey that you are about to begin. We will be praying with each step you take ! We are here for you if you need us!

Glenda Northcutt and Family

Anonymous said...

Chad are you and Jennifer getting married?

Anonymous said...

Chad-
Good luck with the new adventure God is about to take you on. I know we havent really kept in touch since our KCC days, but I have followed along in your blog, and I know that this must have been a tough journey. I will say a prayer for you and Emerie, and know that God will continue to bless you!

With Faith and Hope-
Jesse McPhail- Ramsay