God's Faithfulness

we had a church split in April 2008. While I had been through one before, this was the most difficult. Many of our friends left with the pastor. Hard feelings, anger, hurt, disappointment, so many other emotions I can't identify. Who was wrong in the situation? Everybody, probably. While it isn't easy to do, I am trying to see this like when Barnabus and Paul separated in their ministry. For whatever reason the 2 went their separate ways. They separated for the sake of the gospel. Hurt feelings involved? I'm sure. So...I'm thinking "for the sake of the gospel" 2 churches will be working for the kingdom.
There is also the scripture in Philippians 1:15-17

15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.^[c] 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

This has been a most difficult season as our church tries to heal, although not necessarily in a healthy way. Just sweeping it under the rug and not looking at our own sin has been the way it is being handled and that is not right. I pray that through this God will draw our hearts to Himself in a very real and personal way and will convict where we have been wrong. I have to trust in God's faithfulness to use this to His glory. Not a random molecule...He knows everything that happens and uses everything to bring us to Himself and to bring glory to His kingdom.

I struggle much with seeing the people who have left...most of them, anyway. I have much anger and disappointment toward the pastor. Just like Joseph and his brothers...what they meant for evil, God meant for good...God will use this situation for His good.