In studying the scriptures and getting revelation as to the Garden mandate, one thing is clear.
We were all seeded with an innate desire for fellowship in way of family before the foundation of the world was laid. Yet the truth be told – family is a disappearing aspect of our society in so many ways.
Now, Paul taught much in lue of military terms.
With that we must understand that in war there are valued long term alignments as well as necessary short term alignments. The same can be said of the Kingdom, from the man who supplied the colt for the Lord to make His triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
To the man who was carrying the picture of water, tasked with securing the room for the last supper, these were necessary how be it short term alignments.
Whereas Peter, John, James etc, were long term alignments.
We must understand there will be people who grace our lives with their presence who were purposed to be but temporary alignments.
Where as others we will make almost life long alignments.
But lets be nakedly honest. Some people are also rebellious as to the will of God and run from commitment when the fire starts to heat up.
As in all things, we must become extremely skilled in trusting the Lord while guarding our hearts so that we understand that not everyone who is walking with us today, will be walking with us tomorrow.
Not everyone was purposed to take the long path journey with us.
The reality is that it is our assignment and the long path ministry vision for which we ourselves must keep our eyes on. If we can maintain that understanding, that comes the peace that is beyond human understanding with birth in us an inner knowing that the Lord will be there with us every step of the way.
We can read in scripture as to how Jonathan was a dear close friend whom David loved and trusted with his own life. I think if we were dive deep into David’s life (and I have) we will find after Jonathans death there were very few that David felt comfortable putting his life in their hands. Yet, he grew in his trust of the Lord’s ability to watch over and keep him safe.
We are all created with a sense and longing for community. Some more so than others. I personally am content being deep in the woods, alone save my dog and there I am at total peace being surrounded by the Father’s creation of nature. An occasional interaction with people is enough to keep me going for days, even weeks. Even with out the woods, I am becoming more and more accustomed to my quiet time with Holy Spirit.
I’ve had a life time of people being there one moment only to begone the next.
Now, unlike many who mourn when someone is taking out of their life. Or walks out of their day to day functions of life, I sense a loss but only for a short time, as I quickly refocus on the assignment the Lord has for me.
Some may call it shell shocked or battle hardened.
Eitherway, for me, the Lord fills the void that others struggle with filling. (It use to be with addictions – Now its Jesus).
In studying the life of George Muller, I find comfort knowing that our lives are so much alike in many ways. He was a rebellious one before coming to the Lord, as was I. He had many alliances but few close friends, as have I. He grew to take the WORD at face value, spending little time in reading other peoples commentary. Instead, he found himself being far more comfortable listening to Holy Spirit’s interpretation.
And as to where his trust would be for financial matters and other needs? He trusted in the Lord to the point that he never publically asked (begged) people for help.
That is where my life is at this time, anchored in the TRUST of the Lord as well as Holy Spirit high-lighting the scriptures for me (I’ve found that fasting is a amazing study hall).
At the end of his life, we was left alone, save the comfort of the comforter.
To be honest, there are times I find myself there as well. My wife is still here and I find much comfort with and from her. Yet, her full-time work schedule and my ministry schedule at times can drain us as to personal interaction.
My son still lives at home, he is 17 and is in his senior year (need I say more).
All this to say, keep your faith in the Lord, love people but trust the Lord. Now you may be completely unlike me needing more interaction with other people. Just be careful and be on guard that they do not rob you of private time with the Father.
Some people can be so busy, even in “doing” ministry that they neglect to spend time with the most important one in their life, Abba.
However, if you are like me, be on guard that your love of solitude not rob others of the love, compassion and wisdom that the Father has poured into you to bless others.
The whole idea of the garden was that of family and its the one place that the enemy has never let up his attack, family. In many ways the art of being family has been lost. Gone with it, I fear so has the spirit of loyalty and commitment.
With so few true spiritual fathers and mothers, those who love as does our heavenly father. Those who are willing to share both a hug and hand of correction. Sadly the God inspired family system has all but become extinct.
Again, there is a place seeded in each one of before the foundations of this world which long for fellowship in way of family.
I recently ended a two year position as director of a discipleship mission. I labored for 18 months to usher in the sense and atmosphere of “family”. We had finally attained it and then the enemy enter a narcissist into the leadership ranks. His demand for control had a road block in front of it. Namely myself and because of that I endured several months of slander and charactor assacination. Add to that a leader who refuses to contront (Not really a leader) and the battle became entrenching.
I sought Godly counsel from seasoned vets who after much prayer said due to the inability of the head and founder of the ministry to discern and confront, the Father had released me from my commitment.
I can’t say it ended in failure on any level, as shortly after my resigning the position the door opened for my current position as senior pastor of a Church that my wife, son and I have been in relationship with since 2013. I was a monthly guest speaker for the past two years and have patiently laid the foundation of “Kingdom family”
We must remeber that not ever ministry that carries the name “Christian” is ordained of the Father. There are a multitude of Ismael ministries and Churches scattered across the Christioan horizon in America as well as abroad.
However, since the creation of the Garden and man it has always been the intention of the Father for a family. As senior pastor the vision the Lord has given me is the Garden mandate, to return to our original design and purpose, to be a family who thrive in the atmosphere of love for one and other and most importantly, love for the Fatrher, Son and Spirit.
Dr. Russ G. Welch, Th.D.
Senior Pastor, Highway To Heaven Church
Radical Disciples - A Remnant Revolution 