“One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25b King James Version Version)
Did I ever move as a child? Did I ever! Born in New Albany Indiana, as a toddler I lived on Corydon Pike in the country, moved to Bloomington, Indiana as a slightly older toddler while my father went to IU, graduating from Indiana University in 1953, attending on WW II veteran benefits. At IU, we first moved in a single-wide, metal-like trailer. Eventually, we lived in an apartment, a small, second floor abode. After Dad’s graduation we moved to Indianapolis. At first, we stayed with one of my aunts in an area where Indiana and Purdue University are presently located in Indianapolis, just a few miles from downtown. I remember that vividly because I slept in two chairs that were pushed together to make a bed. Over time, our family lived in five houses. But guess what? They were all “home” and, more importantly and influential was the fact that God was an every day and night occupant in every residence. Thank God!
As an adult I lived in three states: Indiana. Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Finally came back to Indiana in 1988 and have lived in same house since 1992. Living in different parts of the country and cities not only made me familiar with places, people, and particular observances that were unique to each area, but I believe they also helped me learn how to deal with change in general. But guess what, one more time. Wherever we lived, God was present.
I think part of all this moving God had His hand in it; the unfolding of my personal story to prepare me to pastor a diverse church and be receptive to different worship styles, styles where God was worshipped in spirit and in truth.
Wait a minute! I don’t want to leave out my best move! On August 11, 1964, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. That’s 60 years ago! You see, I moved to a new status. For I can truly say, “I once was blind, but now I see! I once was lost, but now I’m found.” Hallelujah! Praise God! Why? Because that move six decades ago ensured me that I will have one grander move, the best yet, to the biggest residence one could ever hope to live. What will make this possible? The grace of God! That will be when I move to my Father’s house above, the place where there are many mansions. If you are saved, you too will make that move because you were also saved by grace through faith! So, don’t only focus on my moves, but focus on your future move to the place where joys will never cease. If someone asks you “Did you ever move?” share with them how you moved out of darkness into the marvelous light! Start by saying, “Did I ever!
Now, as you are still thinking about that move, praise God from whom all blessings flow! Be blessed!
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:16-18 NASB)
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:16-18 NASB)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King