HOW COULD I SAY "NO" TO JESUS?

When God opens a door, it is often an exit from our comfort zone. We have no way of knowing where it will lead or what lies beyond—but we do know that we can trust the One who opened the door. So we can step through it with a sense of expectation, knowing that something incredible lies ahead.

~David Jeremiah

1Cor 16:9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and [there are] many adversaries.

Since 1959, to the present, I have lived at 52 different addresses. I had always believed that if God ever called me back to my homeland in the mountains of Western North Carolina, they would bury me there. We spent 13 and half years there with our beloved church family. My two sons served there with me. It doesn't get any better than that. In my life, I had never lived anywhere near that long. It felt so good to be finally established. However, there was an unsettling stirring in my soul for a while. I began to hear the Lord say, “You are going to release the church to Ryan.” (My oldest son) I said, “I know that I am 62, but I am not ready to retire.” He did not say anything else at the time.

I wrote a daily devotional for over a year. On Sunday morning July 18, 2021, I drew a blank. I said, “Father, what do you want me to write about?” He said, “The Comfort Zone,” Then He told me that was where I was! He added, “Don’t worry, I am going to get you out of it!” I could write you a lengthy pamphlet to record all the details. Unbeknownst to me at the time, that was the morning the pastor I followed resigned the church I now pastor. I felt that was where the Lord was calling us next. I wrote down 14 prophetic indications confirming the call to Seminole, Florida. The church pulpit committee asked for my resume’. It was a long process. One Tuesday morning while in prayer, I had the strong sense that I would hear from the church that day. Later that morning, a quote popped up on my Facebook feed that said, “The door that has been long delayed, will open suddenly!” It ran chills all over me! While, I still had goose bumps, the phone rang. The ID said, “Clearwater, Florida!” I knew that was the call we had long awaited. The rest is history.

It was the toughest call we have ever received because of leaving family, church and friends was so heartbreaking. We love our Church family here so much and they have been wonderful to us! We know that this a great and effectual open door!

Friend, I believe the Lord wants me to remind you today, that He is flawlessly faithful. His will is perfect, His timing is perfect, His plan is perfect! If you are waiting for God’s door to open, it will be worth the wait! Trust Him!

Every blessing,

Tom