I hope that moving forward is an attitude I can continue to embrace. Being stuck is not easy to live with, yet we often find ourselves stuck somewhere, somehow. In our attitudes, in our locations, in our physical capabilities, or lack thereof. For me, the mindset of moving forward helps to plan during the waiting time, knowing that planning is a part of moving forward. Believing and purposefully dwelling in the knowledge that God has a plan and that it is good for me, whether I see or understand it at the time, is a foundation of rock amid sandy soil.

Moving forward. Not dwelling on the past, but choosing to see change as a new adventure and refusing to focus on the past, even the good times. I relish those good times and am grateful for all I learned. I am also grateful for the not-so-good times because, in reality, I learned even more about faith, God’s love, and persistence in those times. But the past is the past, and I choose not to constantly revisit it in my mind or with others. The here and now and the future are my focus.

I read the newspapers because I am more of a reader than a watcher of television news. If I were not a believer, I would be scared to death by the obvious unraveling of our world. Through some intense Biblical teaching I’ve observed, I have been made even more aware of God’s clear direction to “go and make disciples,” something deeply needed in these times. That is one reason this blog continues and will continue. The days of my going door-to-door sharing the gospel are long gone.

None of us can walk this walk of faith alone. God has clarified in the Bible that we must consistently connect with fellow believers for prayer and accountability. Made it clear enough that to not be doing it goes against all the Bible teaches, against what is God’s Will.

It’s hard when you are basically confined to home to be a part of that much-needed fellowship and sense of belonging. There are so many who deal with that because of age limitations and/or illness of some sort. They have to deal with the misunderstanding of people, which can lead to judgment. They can deal with guilt, loneliness, and other negative emotions, especially if there is a church family that, for whatever reason, doesn’t keep in contact.

It is also hard to bury the discomfort going to church can present, especially if you haven’t been in a while or have never actually gone to church.  Walking into the unknown can be stressful. But knowing it is good for us, that it pleases the Lord, and that we are following His command can give us the courage to take that step forward.

And, as I sit here writing this, I must admit that I’m encouraging myself. After so many years of being active in church, I was faced with not being so. For several reasons, some very real, some excuses. But, in October of 2023, I was able to finally arrange to get back into church, and then issues with my leg started up again, and I couldn’t go. It would get better, I’d arrange to go, and it would get bad again.

It felt like an attack from the enemy. But I was determined to move forward. I wanted to know that sense of belonging in a fellowship again. Experience the times of study with other people, and not just sitting alone in my home. Okay, not alone; the Lord was with me in all those classes I took and teaching videos I watched. But not the same. And now, the woman who practically lived at church in the past must remind herself that she is going forward. The unease is not any different than any felt when going into a new situation. It passes.

This coming Sunday morning, I’m getting on a bus that will take me to the church I’ve been watching online for two years. I watched other churches for two years before that. Between COVID and my own mobility issues, I haven’t been inside a church in almost four years. But I am moving forward. Being obedient. I have no idea what the Lord will do, but I am eager to see how He will orchestrate the whole thing.

To God be all the glory.

Be blessed, my friends! – Vicki