Be Careful What You Ask For

When our family felt called to plant West Bank Baptist Church in greater New Orleans, we had no idea what twists and turns awaited us on our journey. We recently celebrated our six month anniversary and were blessed to have thirteen men, women, and children join us for our Bible study.

That morning my daughter expected a seminary family to join us that had four children along with two we knew were coming. Erin spent all day Saturday working hard on crafts and lessons, even naming our fledgling children’s group Krewe de Kids. The call came early Sunday that they were unable to come.

Erin was devastated. We talked about how God sovereignly understands what we are ready for and graciously provides either protection from or strength to endure what He allows. Turns out the one two year old she had Sunday was a small tornado and more than enough to keep her busy.

I could not help but smile as we recovered from Bible study at how much Erin mirrored my own attitude since July. We have been told by good friend Troy Gause ministry in New Orleans is done in a crock pot, not a microwave. Week after week we prayed, invited, and prepared sermons anticipating people who never showed up. There were days Michelle, Erin, and Walker were the only ones gathered.

Personally, my prayers were for a house filled with lost, broken people who were desperate for the gospel. Slowly but surely they started coming. For two weeks, we have been at our highest attendance and realized our home may not be large enough. We definitely need to be creative with childcare. And as our guests repent and place their faith in Christ we have the joyful responsibility of discipleship.

I had no idea what I was asking for in July. God knew better than my best intentions. Even now as He is gradually giving us greater impact and influence in our community, we realize that to grow healthy we must grow slowly.

Three weeks ago Walker and I memorized Proverbs 16:9

The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord established his steps.

Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

God is gracious not only when He gives us what we ask of Him, but even when He doesn’t.  I have heard said that God always answers prayer: with a yes, no, or wait. His answers may not be yes, but they are always affirmative.

Have you ever considered taking an enormous step of faith and joining us here in greater New Orleans? If you believe God may be drawing you to serve with us in Marrero contact us at wearewestbank@gmail.com.