This past weekend Grace Church hosted Ted & Gayle Haggard. It was without doubt, one incredible weekend. Yes, before everyone asks the obvious, it raised tons of interest and criticism. With Ted’s past and his very public crisis, people have a very stilted view of Ted. But, I assure you, I was very impressed with the things that God has done in Ted & Gayle’s life. I was even more impressed with the way that God has been using them. They are both humble and genuine examples of people who know the redeeming grace of Jesus!

This week they shared the story of how God has restored their lives. The subject was not about what Ted did….It was about what God did. Often times we overlook the fact that Romans 8:28 says that ALL things work together for the good of those who love God and are called by Him. That means both the good and the bad! Ted & Gayle are no doubt called by God and most assuredly love Him. Because of that God used their season of crisis and sin to shape and mold them. What is surprising is to hear that they both agree that God used this process to help them fall more in love with Jesus, fall more in love with each other and fall deeper into love with God’s Church. This was evident in their message and in their servitude to Grace Church this past week. You can watch the video by clicking here!

While they were in town they gave personal time to meeting with our leadership team, a group of pastors and even me and my wife. They shared wisdom gained from experience and gifting. They share resources and insight into leading God’s Church. It’s was profound and incredible!

If I had listened to the world around me, I would have discounted Ted based on his past. But, I chose grace and faith. God works through imperfect people, pursues imperfect people and loves imperfect people. If I am a follower of Jesus, and desire to imitate Him, then I must do the same. The results of doing that were amazing. I would challenge you that we must not turn our back on people who have messed up. If I had done that, I would have missed out on the blessing. If I had done that, I would myself be a hypocrite. Jesus did not turn His back on us, so how can we turn our back on anyone?