As I have mentioned a few times, my church has been in the process of selling and transferring the property and buildings to a sister church who has been meeting with us for several years. The new church is primarily African-American in membership, the perfect fit for the community, and can reach out to people in a way that we could never do. The decisions over the past several months were not always easy and the legalese got tiresome, but it was finally completed, and the sale of our church was complete.

The next decisions to be made were, “What to do now? Do we stay? Where would we go? It’s a long drive, but I drove further everyday when I worked downtown.” Feeling a sense of not being in control of my life, I failed miserably to seriously talk to God about it. I was just focusing on what I needed to do. Since my mother was a member of the same church, we had several discussions along these same lines and never could come up with a peaceful decision about what to do.

We love the people in the new church; love them dearly but were still torn. Until. Until I finally opened my heart to what God wanted us to do. And He answered,

“Are you happy where you are? Can you use your gifts where you are? Where are you most comfortable to serve Me? Where do you feel My presence and can grow in your faith? I can use you where you are, if you are willing.”

When I was honest, I knew the answer was to stay where I was. In the church where I had been a part since the mid-1960. To stay in the church where my family had worshiped, taught, served, and protected for many years … from the fourth pew on the piano side. The church where I had served as pianist, deacon, Bible Study teacher, Minister of Recreation and Youth, learned about following God’s leading in my life, and so many other important God-things. So, as God was telling me, “Why is there any decision to be made? You know the answer.”

So, this past Sunday, my mom and I joined the church where God wanted us for a season. Me, as their Minister of Music and my mom as a faithful, supportive member. There are those I know that are greatly surprised that we would choose to join a church that is a different race than us but, you know what? I honestly don’t notice. As I told the church body a couple weeks ago, “this is the same church building, the same God, the same Love, the same message of redemption and mission, the same message. There is no difference between us nor between how we are accepted and loved by God.” And, I believer that. And, as God knew, I have never been happier to be a member of First Christ Cares Church in Ellenwood. It is where God wants me. And, where I want to be.

When you struggle with decisions, whether big or small, let me encourage you to not forget that God will help you in the decision. It may be something totally different than anything you would expect, cause you to be a bit out of your comfort zone, but God will lead you and direct you with His knowledge of His plan for your life. And not your plans for your life.

There is so much change these days. Financial, political, relationships, housing, etc., but God is always waiting for you to ask Him what to do. I promise you that you will feel better and happier than ever before.

And today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy… who will sleep much better tonight.