Annointed

We had an awesome worship service this weekend.  And so it shouldn't surprise me that Satan had all kinds of ploys to keep me from attending.  I've heard it said that when God is getting ready to move in a mighty way, the evil one steps in with all sorts of attempts to thwart His plans.  It all started with the van threatening to break down on Friday (see previous post). Yesterday, Caden woke up screaming and had me worried to no end after an evening of intestinal trouble the night before.  He slept alright, but was really out of sorts and coughing a terrible amount when he woke up.  We were scheduled to sing at church this weekend.  Jerry actually had a featured solo with a small ensemble backing him up to the song "I Can Only Imagine." I was seriously starting to wonder if I was going to be able to sing given Caden's state.  

I ended up taking him to the doctor yesterday morning, but thankfully they seemed to think it was just allergies.  He's never been officially diagnosed with seasonal allergies, but it would stand to reason that he'd get them since he's part of this family!  He seemed to perk up as the day went on, so all was well.  My kids had to keep themselves busy for three hours while we rehearsed and even though they got a little rambunctious at times, I have to give them props for their effort.

The service went well last night (we do three per weekend) and we were even able to attend a surprise birthday party for our small group leader afterward.

This morning, I'd decided that I'd go to the church separately so that I didn't have to rush the boys out of bed and have them sit at church an hour early.  We were all up and getting ready when Jerry left and all was well.  We were headed out the door on time when I reached for my keys on the hook by the door.  They weren't there.  I looked all over the house and then realized they were locked in the van.  I had that horrible pit-in-my-stomach feeling when I called my husband who was already there.  I wish I could tell you that I handled the situation with grace, but the truth is I was not at all "holy" in my behavior.  On the contrary.  

To make a long story short (I know....too late!), we ended up getting there almost in time.  We only missed the opening song.  

Here's why I think there was major spiritual warfare going this weekend.  We had a communion service, for one, which is always so special as we remember what Christ has done for us and His awesome sacrifice.  The music was very reflective and there was just something really special about it this weekend (and I'm not saying it's because we were singing!).  I believe it was truly annointed.  We all felt it.  Our worship pastor sang a hymn medley that blew me away...and at one point even he got choked up.  There weren't many dry eyes in the church today.  I could barely get through "I can Only Imagine."  The song has so much meaning for me on a normal day, in fact I can't even listen to it on the radio without crying.  

I just love it when the Spirit of God moves among His people.  It is amazing to think that someday we will get to do NOTHING but worship Him...and that won't even begin to compare to our earthly experiences.  

We can only imagine...