One Very Blessed Shoutin' Sunday

I don't know where to begin with this post. There is so much I want to write and all of it is wrapped up in God's Glory. Bear with me as I try to relate what happened yesterday at church.

Sunday was our Homecoming at our little country United Methodist church. I make a point to tell you that we are a UMC because it may also let you understand that there is not a whole lot of shouting, out loud, stand up praising that goes on in our church. That is, until yesterday. The Holy Spirit was so thick in that service - I thought I was going to walk the pews. It was AWESOME!!!
And it all came from God answering years of prayers by many of us.

Here's the story - my brother-in-law is 72 days sober after 15 years of heavy drinking which often led to barroom brawls and nights in jail, not to mention a few hospital visits that included stitches, concussions and some memory loss. Praise His Holy Name!!
J stood up when the preacher asked for prayer requests and praises. He proceeded to give his testimony and told the congregation everything he had been through over the years. Then J, with tears streaming down his face, thanked God for his beautiful new baby boy, his sweet little girl and his loving wife. He also told us that he knows that God has delivered him from the demon alcohol that held him in bondage for so many years. He also said that although he might still have cravings, he knows it is the devil trying to tempt him back.
Let me tell you, we were standing up, shouting praises to our magnificent God, tears streaming down faces all over the sanctuary and rejoicing all at once. The Holy Spirit was so thick and so very real that no one could have missed it.
When J finished giving his testimony, many of us gathered around to lay hands on him. Even my son, Jacob, went up and prayed over his uncle J. Even my six year old felt the moving of the Spirit.
Sisters, can you say BLESSED??

The beauty of the day did not end there. When J sat back down beside me, I noticed he was carrying his Bible - something I have never seen him do before. During the sermon, J was reading along with the guest pastor and was actually so engrossed in the service he didn't hear the baby cry. Now, that's listening to the Word of God.
When the altar call was given, J went up and had the preacher pray with him.
God is doing miracles in J's life and in the lives of his family. They have struggled for so many years and now, they can rejoice in knowing that God is moving by leaps and bounds.

Sisters, I am still walking on a cloud. I just can't help but shout praises to my King when I think about it.
I pray that you are blessed by what God has done here. And I pray that, if any of you are struggling with something in your life that seems so big that it feels as if you might never get out, remember: God IS Able!! and He IS working. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He LOVES you!

Blessings, my dear sisters.