trading religion for relationship

[jackie d]

**Introduction to a book called The Visitation by Frank Peretti, this is a letter to his readers that I thought was especially poignant. ENJOY!**

"I never thought I'd get sick of being a Christian. I was practically born a Christian, raised in a Christian home, nurtured in church and Sunday school. If there was anything going on at church-special meetings, singspirations, Bible studies, vacation Bible school-I was there. I read my Bible every day, prayed regularly, witnessed to others whenever I could, and knew all the hymns by heart. I was a youth pastor, an associate pastor, a teacher, a preacher, a public speaker. I was on the right road, had plenty of approval, and no plans to change course.

But no one told me I was still growing up and that the time would come when all the familiar trappings of the Christianity I grew up with would no longer be comfortable. Like a child growing out of his clothes, I was having trouble getting things to fit-except for one T-shirt that said, BEEN THERE, DONE THAT.

No, I wasn't backsliding. Satan wasn't tempting me. I wasn't even disillusioned-well, NOT with God. call it growing pains. I was beginning to feel the difference between religion and relationship. The more I longed to know God, the more FED up I got with all the Christian "stuff." Where was God really? Would I really find Him in all the religious trappings, my particular Christian culture that told me by word and example what a Christian ought to look like, act like, believe and do? For most of my life I'd wrapped that world around me like a security blanket; I felt safe, like a child at home with loving parents.

But kids like us grow up and need our own relationship with God, forged in the heart through time and experience, not draped around us by the church we attend. We need to KNOW God for OURSELVES, not secondhand.

Coming to that realization, that point of growth, can be a lonely time. You just feel so tired of everything: No I didn't have my "quiet time" this morning, so arrest me. If I have to sing that chorus one more time I'll scream. Maybe I'll stay home from church this time just for some peace and quiet.

And you don't buy everything so readily: Maybe that was a prophecy to you, but to me it was bad acting. How do I know God really said that to Pastor? I didn't hear anything. Are we really going to vanish in the twinkling of an eye?

And everyone has a cure for what ails you: You need to read your Bible and pray more. You need to come back to the Lord. There are lies of the Enemy; speak in tongues and they'll go away.

Well, don't worry. I made it through. Jesus walked with me through every moment, and I could see Him so much more clearly on the other side. I have a wonderful church family. I like singing the choruses, and I still read my Bible and pray every day. But things look different now. My faith is MY OWN, I like where the Lord has brought me, and I won't be going back.

Having been there, having done that, and having survived, I thought I'd write about it. Wherever you are in your own walk with the Lord, I'm sure you'll find some common ground between yourself and Travis Jordan struggling out of all that RELIGION to find Jesus." (Frank Peretti June 2003)

**note to readers: Travis Jordan is the main character of Frank Peretti's book The Visitation**

[Hunterpoet]

Nice...helped me to understand my own life........thanks for posting

[jackie d]

Nice...helped me to understand my own life........thanks for posting

I am glad for you and you are most welcome

[Searching soul23]

Can religious trappings be age-related? I was friends with a group of young college students at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, MI. It felt so right! But as they began to graduate and move on, I was left completely alone. Bereft of church relationships with people my own age, I began to drift from my faith. I left the church, isolated myself, and began to hate God for all the false bravado I had experienced in the church. But I still missed "Michelle," a name I have given to that time I felt things were right, that time with the college group that meant so much to me. I, of course, have not moved on with my life yet, and probably never will in the forseeable future. I am so sad!

Is that the kind of trapping Mr. Peretti talks about? If so, I would be interested to know how I can move beyond that. I mean, it would be easy if my life had a discernable pattern of forward movement. But it doesn't. I have been in a rehab unit since '93, and I have no clue when or if I'll ever get out. It's depressing at times, and even scary. I can't get a job or go to college, and I do not have the capacity to enjoy some of the other things my peers enjoy. We have no common ground, except for church, if I could find one.

I have had the dream of finding a church with a group that fits my social goals. And just recently, it seemed I had found one. The study group was comprised of 6 people from 22-28. It seemed perfect. Until we all went to a bar down the street. I ended up conversing mostly with a lovely young woman named Charity, who ends up being the actual leader of the group, and is probably married to someone who attended seminary. So, there you have it. It was novel for a while, being with a group again. But now I have figured them out, and I'm not interested...or am I?

Last night, the group went to a brewing company for a 21st Birtthday Party of someone else new to the group, I decided to go check it out, thinking I could have a good time with a few people, other than just Charity. It ended up being about 40 people I didn't know in a crowded brewery late in the evening. Everyone was talking at once and I couldn't hear myself think. I tried my best to stay calm for as long as I could. I wanted to leave, but I was trapped by tables and chairs and people all around. I had a terrible time. So I guess that's the final end of church, social life, and Christianity for me. I can never go back. I can only pine for the lost time of "Michelle."

Charity, of course, would probably welcome me back. But I don't feel worthy. And how can I ever feel accepted by a large, confusing group that only does activities I don't really like?

[jackie d]

You know, Searchingsoul...the Lord is clear that those who are not of this world will never fit in, not really. And I too am great witness to that. The thing for me is that even during the brief times I have tried to find a niche with a crowd I always found something very shallow about it and would eventually leave it. I've always disliked being in a room with many many people and there are even times when I am not comfortable in my own skin when my family is gathered. But there is one place that I can always go and never feel like I don't fit or am unwanted and uncomfortable and that is with the Lord. I talk to Him like I am talking with you..just telling Him what is inside of me and what I long to do for Him. I have yelled at Him, I have thrown tantrums because I didn't get my way, I have even told Him jokes. In essence I have just been me.....read the word and talk with the Lord before you know it you will begin to feel like you've found a home..that is a promise.

Don't give up on God and a relationship with Him just because you can't find a home group on earth. Those set aside have a very special place with the Lord and usually a commission that can be out of the ordinary. It is a beautiful place. Not having a niche is good for another reason, niches take time away from our relationship with Him. Once we become comfortable with a relationship with the Lord, it is easier for us to get over feeling lonely for He becomes sufficient. This relationship has enabled me to be able to find a little church where people are just people, they wear jeans and t-shirts to church, they talk about real things and they care about one another and without all the bells and whistles of religion.

Keep walking toward Jesus, He will walk you to where you need to go. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all things will be added unto you. He knows your heart, your desires and your needs. All things will be provided to those who seek Him....including you. And you can always talk with me

[jackie d]

If people want to really take action....step out of religion and walk a relationship. We are never the same after getting a taste of the freedom in Christ this way, not ever!!!!

[OneLight]

I have been in a rehab unit since '93, and I have no clue when or if I'll ever get out.

It seemed perfect. Until we all went to a bar down the street. ... Last night, the group went to a brewing company for a 21st Birtthday Party of someone else new to the group, I decided to go check it out...

I don't get it ... you say you have been in a rehab for 15 years? I'm sorry, but this does not sound like the truth.

Can you explain so I can take you serious.

OneLight

[jackie d]

I have been in a rehab unit since '93, and I have no clue when or if I'll ever get out.

It seemed perfect. Until we all went to a bar down the street. ... Last night, the group went to a brewing company for a 21st Birtthday Party of someone else new to the group, I decided to go check it out...

I don't get it ... you say you have been in a rehab for 15 years? I'm sorry, but this does not sound like the truth.

Can you explain so I can take you serious.

OneLight

there are many kinds of rehab....please don't derail the topic

[OneLight]

I have been in a rehab unit since '93, and I have no clue when or if I'll ever get out.

It seemed perfect. Until we all went to a bar down the street. ... Last night, the group went to a brewing company for a 21st Birtthday Party of someone else new to the group, I decided to go check it out...

I don't get it ... you say you have been in a rehab for 15 years? I'm sorry, but this does not sound like the truth.

Can you explain so I can take you serious.

OneLight

there are many kinds of rehab....please don't derail the topic

I PMed you.

[jackie d]

received and returned with reply...have a blessed day