Obedience leads to success...

Have you ever had a moment where God opens your eyes, and suddenly things come into focus and life makes a little more sense?

I had one of those last night, and I have to say - I was very grateful for it.  See, we were recently given the opportunity to be obedient as God asked us to step out of our comfortable place of worship (South Bay Church, awesome church check it out if you live in Riverview) and begin to journey with new friends and family at First Baptist Church of Tampa (great church as well, right across from the University of Tampa).

This may or may not surprise those who read this, but a "traditional" church would not be Katie or my first choice. So, when God began to call us to obedience it was tough.  We separated ourselves from our family at South Bay quickly and quietly, not out of hurt feelings, anger, or resentment, but out of necessity for our transition.

It has been 4 months now since we left - and last night, God granted me a little bit of clarity.  Sometimes, in life, ministry is hard and a struggle and every inch you take back for Jesus feels like a mile.  Maybe some of you can identify?  Other times, I believe, God opens up the flood gates, and you feel like all you do is show up - and the earth moves and lives are changed.

South Bay, was definitely the former.  While serving in different capacities for over 2 years, it honestly felt like everything Katie or I did was 1 step forward, 2 steps back.  We really felt like God limited our ability to lead and do ministry there, and we never really understood why.  But, as I reflect over where I was when we began life at South Bay and where I am now, I can honestly say I am not the same man.  The relationships I formed, and the amount of transformation that took place is indescribable.  I joined South Bay a boy, scared of the Holy Spirit, afraid of seeing His Gifts manifest in people, awkward about worship, and timid in my pleas and petitions before God.  I can honestly say - through the people of South Bay, God has redeemed much of that in my life and walk... which is pretty awesome.

Last night, as I was taking out the trash at FBC Tampa, after our first ever Nourish Culinary Class - God spoke to me, and said "welcome to the flood gates"!!!! It is so funny, that after 2 years of battling and learning and growing, and LOVING almost every minute of it - God has us at a place where He is just blessing everything Katie and I touch.

And, I don't feel like we are doing anything different.  Which means, it is not my brilliant ideas, performance or ability - it is simply the Holy Spirit doing His Work, and our obedience to the voice of God.  I am truly BOASTING IN THE LORD AND THE STRENGTH OF HIS MIGHT!!!!!!!

So, my challenge to you would be this - where is God asking you to be obedient? Where is he asking you to step out in faith and possibly enter into the floodgates of blessing? Because at the end of the day, it is not about you, me or the "church" we attend, it is about bringing glory to Jesus and seeing where He is moving and following Him!