Aug 08 2008
make me uncomfortable?
When it rains it pours. Most of you who read this know that our family has been financially challenged this past year. I know we are not alone and we are very grateful for what God has provided.
This past week has been a spiritual struggle to say the least. 2 opportunities I had for secondary employment fell through. Then we took 18 students and adults to Gatlinburg, TN for a retreat. Mike Landrum my former associate and his former intern Matt Oakley led our retreat. God did some amazing things through the both of them. Mike told us the 1st night that his prayer was that God would make them uncomfortable. Well, I guess that included me. 
The rest of the week was very stressful because God was teaching the students and me to trust in him. A few weeks ago we taught about Jesus feeding the 5000 with 2 fish and five loaves of bread. Then Mike taught from the same passage.
We arrived home only to find our AC unit freezing up. So I left yesterday to attend the Willowcreek Summit. One of the speakers taught from Jesus feeding the 5000. I’m tired of hearing that passage because it is obvious God wants me to learn something. Cassandra called me while I was at the Summit to let me know that our AC will cost $1700 to fix.
So, my prayer from last year when I resigned was that God would show Himself is playing out. Mikes prayer to make me uncomfortable is playing out. I’m/we are beyond ourselves. I have no idea how God is going to take care of this need. I have no idea how he is going to take care of any of our needs. But if I did I guess I wouldn’t need God would I?
22 responses so far
Kevin, I really wish I had a “magic” wand to wave on your behalf, asking the spirits of the air to bring resolution to your problem(s). If I had that magic wand, I’d solve your AC problems, job problems, and any other problem you had, all in one swoop of the wand.
Well, I have no magic wand. I have no solution to your problems. Sorry about that. However, I have no doubt that God didn’t bring you this far to leave you in the wilderness! Your journey will be longer than you thought, but the Promised Land will be worth it–whenever you get there.
There’s a good story about feeding a large crowd…but, that’s for another time.
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..All Toes in the Water! Literally!
Like Steve I wish I could wave a magic wand or say my connection to God is such that I could just say, “God, meet His need.” But I am not one who believes I can tell God what He must do ((I will leave that to those other guys) and simply say that I will pray for you and Cassandra. At this point it is all I can do.
By the way…did you ever hear the story of Jesus feeding? Never mind you probably never heard it and it would take too long to type it.
Bill (cycleguy)’s last blog post..?Makes It All Worthwhile?
It may be of little comfort, but you aint the only one brother. Let me tell you something:
Tuesday, July 15th was the day to pay bills at Atlanta Care. On Friday, the 11th, we noticed that we were going to come up short of what was needed so we decided to pray…very specifically.
We prayed for God to meet our financial needs for the 15th by bringing it to us in the mail on Monday before 2pm. Any deposits made on the 14th before 2pm are available for use on the 15th.
On Monday we went to the Post Office expectantly. We were grateful for what we received, but our deficit was still very real. We said to each other and to the Lord, “We still believe you. There is no need to prove yourself to us!” Afterward, we went on with our day.
At 1:45pm, the postman delivered our mail to the office as is customary. Normally, he delivers magazines, bills, and junk mail. Not this time. He handed us one envelope from an attorney. We were apprehensive about opening it. It was an anonymous gift from someone we do not know for the exact amount we needed- all in one check. God met the need, in the mail, by 2pm.
Pray specifically. If God wants you to change or to see Him bigger than you presently see Him, praying specifically gives you the eyes to see!
Jase
Jason,
Great story. Like I said in the beginning, we are grateful for what God has given. And I wrote a couple of months ago about Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego saying that even if God does not save them they will still serve Him. That is what I’m praying now.
Steve and Bill,
you are too funny.
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..make me uncomfortable?
“Even if God does not save them, they will still serve Him. That is what I’m praying now.”
And that is what we’re praying for you and your family…
Steve and Bill?
The loaves and the fishes are really one of my favorites. If you ever come to dinner - that’s what we’re having! You too Kevin…
Camey’s last blog post..Philadelphia ‘08!
Oh, I forgot to mention… we’re already uncomfortable..
Still serving!
Camey’s last blog post..Philadelphia ‘08!
Camey…I’m free tonight. How about you Bill?
Oh, can we bring Kevin…he needs to hear that favorite story of yours!
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..All Toes in the Water! Literally!
Camey,
Thanks for your prayers.
Steve,
You are a mess.
I’m headed to the Willowcreek Leadership Summit. Craig speaks 1st!
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..make me uncomfortable?
Kevin,
I’m praying for you and your family. I know God has a plan and wants to use you to minister to others in a powerful way. You are ministering to those of us who read your blog. Thank you for the testimony of your faith, and for sharing with us so that we can have the opportunity to pray for you and to be part of what God is doing in your life and ministry.
Matt Knight’s last blog post..Brett Favre Drama Resolved?
Praying here Kevin..and thanks for the book. I’m reading (and cooking) through it.
Phil Hoover’s last blog post..After all these years, it’s ABOUT TIME…
Matt,
You serve the body we came from in 05. Little do you know - my family and I have been praying for you/yours.
Kevin,
I pray you’re getting IT! And thanks for commenting on Austin’s post.
Camey’s last blog post..Philadelphia ‘08!
Steve,
Oh, there’s so many things that I could say in reply to that!
{whistling}
Camey’s last blog post..Philadelphia ‘08!
Craig Groschel just talked about “IT” then he prayed we wouldn’t sleep until God showed “IT” to us. Last year @ Catalyst he prayed that & I couldn’t sleep for a week & resigned shortly after. Who knows how disturbed I’ll be this week!
K: I too pray that you will find “It”
Camey: I haven’t had a chance to sit down and read Austin’s post. I saw it last night but was so tired that I thought I would get to it today or tomorrow at the office. (Today is my day off and I just got back from riding over 30 miles with someone from the church). My youngest and our grandson is coming in, grass needs cut, house needs picked up. oh so much to do in such a short time.
Jason: Absolutely fantastic story! I find my heart renewed by that.
Bill (cycleguy)’s last blog post..?Makes It All Worthwhile?
Bill,
No worries.. Enjoy your day off!
Camey’s last blog post..Philadelphia ‘08!
Camey, your prayers are appreciated. We’re still listening for God and His plan for our future, both my family and our church. How wonderful it is that our God does answer prayer!
Matt Knight’s last blog post..Something More Substantial
Matt,
You’re welcome. And we’ll keep praying.
Camey’s last blog post..Philadelphia ‘08!
I’m just reminded that God is faithful. Our AC is freezing up… same diagnosis. But I believe that God is faithful and I trust him, and i know you feel that way too. Am praying for you Kevin, i believe that God is going to do something awesome with you guys… for you and for your family. I really believe it.
“even if God does not save them they will still serve Him” echoes. I know I come across as some kind of heretical, snarky, troll, who just wants to yell at you all and pick at yer faults. Underneath all that, I’m really very mushy. I hope that you get all you need. I hate seeing people suffer. Especially ones I get to know, even if it’s only online. May your God meet all your needs.
jimmy paravane’s last blog post..More Observations
Wow,
I’m going to have to process all that I learned today. God spoke to me (really) today and I need to sort through the ramifications. Wow, Craig Groschel’s message was as powerful as Catalyst. I won’t sleep for a week. Bill Hybels last session is still ringing in my head now. I need to talk to my wife and sort through what God said.
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..make me uncomfortable?
Hang in there, Kevin.
Bernard Shuford’s last blog post..Midnight
Thanks Bernard,
I’m grateful for what God has done in my life and my family’s. Honestly, we asked for God to stretch us. So, I don’t want this to sound whiny or to ask for pity. Prayers, yes! But God will be glorified in the end and we will have some unbelievable stories to tell. But even if He choses not to bail us out I will still serve him.
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..Willowcreek Leadership Summit Day 2