Discouraged/Encouraged

I was discouraged last night at our adult attendance. I know that the youth and children's work is taking some of the faithful that are working with them. But yesterday I had fasted for WOW Wednesday and then when I saw the adult turnout it discouraged me (sorry if that makes you think less of me). Even those who were here sat so far apart it looked like everyone was contagious with some dreaded disease. It seems we are more attached to a certain seat than to people sometimes. But God taught me a strong lesson that goes along with the “by faith and not by sight lesson”(2 Cor 5:7). My sermon was about leaning in when everything tells you to lean out and God will bless the effort. So, with that said, I met with two people class after church. We were to meet concerning pre-marital counseling. I was tired, they were tired, and it had been a long day. However, the first thing I do in pre-marriage counseling is confirm salvation. Well, neither of these two were saved but had been attending pretty regular for some time. I did not slay 600 like Shamgar and the building did not have 1000 in attendance last night but 2 people did find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. So as I went home considering the night, if I had to choose to have 1000 in attendance (which would really feed my flesh) or two saved (which would really feed my spirit), I would have to choose the two. I was so encouraged. God blessed my day of fasting but in a way I did not expect or pray for. I do not know what is going on in your life, but I do know this. God is faithful and “all of His promises are ‘yes’ in Christ Jesus” (2 Cor 1:20, DW paraphrase). Look to see how He is going to answer your prayers and fasting. Don’t have some predetermined outcome that you want God to make happen. Give Him the situation and ask Him to work in His great wisdom. Give God the latitude to give the best answer not just a good answer.