So Sunday in church, SP got up and said that the Lord had been speaking to him (in the wake of the New Orleans tragedy) about how He is calling the church and the country to repentance. And that the first thing we needed to do is repent as a church (both corporately and individually). He concluded with, "And that's what we're going to do for the rest of the service."
So we were all praying...and crying...some together and some alone. I sat up for a few moments next to DH, and lo and behold, who should come up to us, but our Friendly Neighborhood CA! She came up and asked our forgiveness for things that she had said about us and her attitude towards us (especially my DH). I forgave her, because I believe that's what Jesus would have me do, and I did feel a release. YP said later that while she was on her face praying, she felt something break in the spirit, and had no idea what it was until she looked over and saw all of us talking together...apparently her husband had also been praying about the same thing, too.
What DH and I agreed was that we are willing to give her the benefit of the doubt for now. What I said was that, if nothing else, forgiving her released me to be able to pray honestly for the church - to pray with pure motives for people to be moved out if they are in the way of what God wants to do - rather than my own personal agenda.
The thing is, I have this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that she is up to something - that it wasn't really sincere, and that it's not really over. I don't know if that's God, or if it's my own pessimistic nature. So, as the title of this post says, I really don't know what to think. I don't want to just "abandon post" if it's NOT over, but I don't want to keep fighting something I don't need to fight anymore.
I guess I'll just stay in the Word and in prayer as I have been...and we'll see what happens from there .
Be cautiously optimistic. The Lord has called you to be wise as a serpent, gentle as a dove. No where did he say to go out and put your "stupid cap" on. Hello. Of course you are a bit wary...this woman has caused major havoc in your church. At the same time if she is truly repentent, you want to accept that. I would accept it and treat her as such, but do not just fling open the doors for her to do anything and everything. Take things in baby steps. Be wise.
After repentence comes restoration but part of restoration is that a person make restitution. There are consequences to behavior. This woman has caused major turmoil in your church. If she is truly repentent part of the restoration process will be that she makes right the wrongs she has done. Not only will she cease putting obstacles in your way, but she will be your greatest cheerleader to help you in seeing the ministries of this church go foward.
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