Rabun for the Gospel

Rabun for the Gospel Now, more than EVER, we need to seek God. By Avery Lawrence

It seems that lately, we have become too busy to talk to God. A couple of months ago, my life was flled with all the “things” I needed to do, places I needed to be, and so many other obstacles that had me worn down. Honestly, I thought the world wouldn’t survive if I didn’t do all the things I was “doing.” Then, the world stopped. I found myself less important than I had ever been. People didn’t need me quite as much as I thought they did. I found myself with something I hadn’t had in quite a while...TIME. As I pondered what to do with all of my time, I realized that in the rush of things, I had neglected my family, my home, and more eye-opening, my relationship with God. Now, don’t get me wrong, I was praying, and reading my Bible, and studying for each week’s sermon and Bible studies, but it seemed that my time alone with God was suffering. I had been making time for everyone and everything and telling God that I would get to Him later, when I was worn out and tired, and often at the end of the day. When I found myself waking up to make the long trek to the kitchen bar to start my day with emails, I found myself communing with God more often. As I would ponder on what the day would bring, which parents I would call, which students I would email, which teachers I would call or text, I found myself talking to God. I would ask Him to bless my “kids” from school; ask Him to send me someone whom I could help, and praying for the safety of my daughter, who works as an emergency room critical care nurse in one of the biggest corona hotspots in Northeast Georgia. I found my evenings catching up on things around the house...things I was too busy to do. I also found myself earning “brownie points” by catching up on some of the things my wife had been wanting me to do for years. We even remodeled the kitchen last weekend…. I found myself having uncontrollable dance parties with Anni and Homer Liam (my favorite grandbabies). We have even had a water balloon fght, practiced piano, planted fowers (lots of fowers), gone for walks, played tag, hide and seek, and “pretend,” and laughed uncontrollably. In short, my family has had fun! Not to mention, we have eaten. A LOT! We are spending time together; time that we didn’t know we had until now. During my alone time with God, I have spent a lot of time asking Him to help me as a pastor, to lead my congregation in a way that honors Him, and still provide protection for my people. Have I mentioned how much I love the folks at Persimmon Baptist Church? They are more than I could ever ask for! They are simply the best. We are navigating through uncharted territory during this time; marching off the map, you might say. Overnight, pastors across the country became Facebook televangelists. Many churches are using Zoom, Google, FaceTime, YouTube, and other streaming services to provide access to live and pre-recorded sermons and Bible studies. Most of us have never relied solely on virtual meetings. This is hard on us as pastors. We rely heavily on the feedback of the congregation (and speaking for myself, the FEEDINGS that the congregation provides!) I could eat my weight in my folks’ cooking right now! We miss the personal touch...the hugs, handshakes, and smiling faces. We miss hearing the rustle of restless children when it gets close to lunch time, and even the crying babies while we preach. I have preached to an empty church for several weeks now, but the Holy Spirit still stirs. As I have pondered in my alone time with God, I have come to the realization that maybe, just maybe, Nawana, Anni, Casi, Homer Liam, Avery Lawrence God wants us to slow down a little. Maybe He is calling us back to Him; to put frst things frst.

God wants us to slow down a little. Maybe He is calling us back to Him; to put frst things frst. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” The time that I have been able to spend with my family and with God, has renewed my spirit and mind! During these troubled times, many people are living in fear, anguish, and turmoil. Now, more than ever, we need to seek God. He is my source of comfort and peace. He is the Rock on which my house is built. He knows what tomorrow brings. And, He loves me in spite of my shortcomings. Do you know Him? He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He sent His only Son, Jesus, to be the payment for our sins. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” My hope and prayer is that you will seek God with all your heart, repent and confess your sins to Him, and ask Him to save your soul. 1 John 1:9 says, “ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Avery Lawrence is the Pastor of Persimmon Baptist Church. Avery is a native of Rabun County and has a great love for Jesus and passion to share the gospel. Avery is the assistant principal at Rabun County Middle School and is loved by all. He is married to Nawana and is step-dad to Casi Best, but more than that he is “Poppy” to Anni and Homer Liam.

Persimmon Baptist Church