Never Ending Praise The Lord

1 Peter 5:2-3 NIV

Be shepherd of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Think of a time God blessed you with special guidance from someone else- a pastor, a friend, a small group leader… if I was a betting woman, I would certainly bet that this person or these people helped you draw closer to God and understand his word on a deeper level. Maybe they mentored you through a really difficult time in your life.

During a period of loss, heartache and confusion in my life, God did this very thing for me. That’s where Tony and Janelle come in. I’ve already written about Janelle once before, but now you get to hear a little more about her and- added bonus- hear about my other friend, Tony.

It started with God’s rescue, flowed into my willingness to attend church, and extended into a mentorship- and friendship that still stands! After losing my child, I attended the same church Janelle had invited me to countless times. I remember writing on a prayer request card- basically pouring my heart out. I needed help. You wouldn’t believe the love that was poured into me. I received cards and letters from total strangers.

Tony’s beautiful and kind wife sat next to me one day at church and verbally poured into me. I’m not sure she will ever know how present God was through her. It’s honestly because of her that I got connected to Tony. Long story short, she pointed me in his direction and a beautiful mentorship unfolded. We asked Janelle to be a part of this mentorship as well. Both Tony and Janelle sacrificed time with their families to disciple me. Not because they felt they had to, but they did it with willing and joyful hearts!

I thought I was just being counseled on how to deal with grief.  My friends definitely did that but what really happened was that they taught me how to walk with God in faith, obedience, and trust. It opened the door to- finally- cracking open my Bible and reading God breathed truth.

When I decided to move away, it was with deep sadness. There was so much of my life that I was leaving behind- including Tony and Janelle. I didn’t want to give up our weekly meetings that drew me closer to the God of restoration and promise. Who would continue showing me that I was being pursued by the pursuer himself? These disciples had taken the blindfold from my eyes and shown me what walking with Christ really meant.

Tony and Janelle laughed joyfully and just reminded me that at some point in my life, God would call me to be someone else’s Tony and Janelle. I’ve thought about that off and on, still experiencing and learning. I know the time is coming and I am praying about where God will place me all the time.

Discipleship is a special blessing straight from THE shepherd. What season are you in? Is it time to be someone’s Tony and Janelle? Or do you need your own Tony and Janelle? Ask God for guidance. His answers will always amaze you.