Believer’s Anonymous

The words “there is safety in the gathering of the brethren” lit up in my mind as I listened to the Pastors speak about their experiences.  I realized, they are just like me.

I erroneously thought that the challenges and temptations I faced were unique to me. I had gone and filled myself with information about being unique, about being

different, and  I had forgotten to find out exactly what it meant.

As  I  listen to the Pastor as he spoke about living up to a promise he had made, I  began to understand more of what unique meant. I had fallen so low that I had begun to question the need for going to church.

It was as though I was at the edge of a cliff and was about to dive into a deep hole of nothingness. I 

was about to make that dive, through a promise to myself that for the next couple of days I would not go to Church, but rather sit and re-evaluate what a life without God meant because God didn't seem to be speaking to me. I put a pause on making the promise, instead promising to think it over once I got home in the evening. Little did I know that the idea of that promise would be popped with a pin.

It wasn't until months later, when I heard the Pastor speak on how God speaks to us through our circumstances that I truly appreciated what it meant.

That night on my way home, I realized that I had made a mistake at work, which would cost a lot. Baffled by this mistake, I had nowhere else to turn but to the Comforter. I struggled that night as I wondered what more that mistake would cost, but I trusted God to take control. The morning came and I arrived at work downcast and low in spirit, but God proved that in his hands are the hearts of kings and he can direct it in whatever way he chooses.

I realize now that the church is much more than a place for the Pastor to speak blessings and prophecies over lives. I liken the Church to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, because alcohol, like sin, could be addictive; despite knowing that it is bad for our health and destiny (James 1:14-15), we are still attracted to it because of its fleeting pleasures. Hence, I like to think of the church as a Sinners Anonymous where brethren who go through similar temptations ask the ever loving God for forgiveness and strength to remain true to Him.

I think of the church as a Lover's Cove where brethren profess their love and re-commitment to a God who first loved us, despite who we are. I see the church as a Victors’ Anonymous meeting where people share testimonies of how they have triumphed over life’s hurdles and obstacles.

I see the Church as a Believers’ Anonymous meeting where brethren, by faith, understand that the universe was created by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

A Believers’ Anonymous meeting where brethren, by faith, seek to please God by drawing near to Him, knowing that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

A Believers’ Anonymous meeting where brethren acknowledge that the patriarchs in the Bible all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. (Hebrews 11:1-16)