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“Recurring Scripture Helped to Protect Church”

“…No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

[Isaiah 54:17 NIV]

Patty D writes

Several years ago, I was given this verse by another Christian who didn’t know me. At that time, it didn’t have a baring on my life, but a few months later, it bore fruit and I praised God for His faithful servants and His presence in my life.

My husband and I had attended a Pentecostal church locally, but due to the lack of alter calls and Scripture readings we lost interest in this church. Failing to speak to the Pastor about these issues, we departed after attending several services. We returned to our membership church which was located 40 miles away, yet still had a desire to return to the other church. The Lord reminded me of the scripture given to me years ago, and I felt him calling me to the church we had left for the very next service. We attended, and at the end of the service, I spoke to the Pastor of Isaiah 54:17. He took it, yet looked somewhat perplexed and I equally.

I started a new job after leaving a company who promised me my position back if I was dissatisfied with the new company. On the first day on the job (we were selling security systems), I went out on the field with my new boss. He mentioned we would be making a few stops, one of which was a church that was relocating to a larger building. To my surprise, it was the same church.

The Pastor was more than surprised to see me with this company. My new boss insisted in front of the Fire Marshall that this church needed extensive security equipment costing $30,000. The Pastor left as the Fire Marshall, my boss and I remained. The Fire Marshall insisted the company I was now working for reduce his bid saying it was too high and that the existing equipment was adequate. My boss grumbled saying, “he’s telling me how to run my business!”. The Lord reminded me of His Word “No arrows shall prosper….” and now I was feeling like one of those arrows aimed against this very church.

I was troubled and went to prayer with my husband. I decided to tell the Pastor of the discussion he was not part of, but first I needed to quickly end my new job.

The Pastor received the information well and thanked me for my obedience. I then talked to him about the lack of alter calls which had bothered us. He took that as a reminder of his own mission which he felt was lacking. We have now committed ourselves to this relocated church by transferring our membership knowing God has purpose for all who love and obey Him. Oh yes, I have my old job back. “Praise God!”