Jason Bedell Online

So... as a family over the last year we've gone from two full time jobs to one full time job, moved from an apartment in with my in-laws, experienced a miscarriage, had a beautiful baby girl, experienced the loss of Carrie's mom, watched a dear friend move to Vegas, and I've trusted God enough in the midst to take on leading His church.

It's interesting to look at it all in the grand scheme of things. You'd think that as a husband, father & leader I would break down and lose my mind. The news flash is that in the confines of my home when I curled up next to my wife on the couch... I did just that.

But in the thick of it, as I prayed to Him to give me wisdom: God answered back. This is what I wrote in my little journal I carry in my bag everywhere I go...

"Jason, I've built you for so much more. I knew your path and what would take place. I knew the choices you would make and the burdens you would allow yourself to carry and I love you through it all. I picked you for this moment at this place to be a husband to Carrie, a father to Chloe and a leader to these people before you were ever born.

You trust me, right? Then please, take me at my word that I know what's best for you and my church. I will take care of your family. I will take care of my people. Just lead. Just be the man I called you to be from the very moment you asked me to be a part of your life. Live your life as an example of what it means to follow me. Not so you can boast about yourself, but so people can see what it looks like to be a true Christ-follower.

Guard your heart my friend. Don't let your past try to over take you, but instead learn from your experiences that I have the best life possible for you. While doing this, teach my people and the community around you to bury their old self and live for me. Quit living selfishly and trying to serve only yourselves (that includes you Jason), but instead, serve one another. Love one another. Take on each other's burdens. Don't get hung up in the when, who, or how... just do these things because I commanded you all to. Don't worry about people's opinions about what my church should be or how you need to move. I have provided wise counsel, your leaders, spiritual men who will guide you to make decisions that honor me.

But don't neglect your family. Lead them and teach them about me. Let them know they are extremely important to you. While loving me first, they are the next most important love of your life. If the church is 10 or 10,000- it doesn't matter. Your family is a true test of the legacy you leave behind. Love me, love them, and love people. I will handle the rest, Jason. Don't you worry about that."

And here I am, just trusting his promises,

Jason *over and out*