God Shows Favor to the Humble

Pastor Charles Westmorland
Image by: Tigner J.

Seeing a man in a humble state says a lot about his character; their qualities distinguish them from others and they typically stand out in a crowd. During the announcement for this year’s 43^rd annual Dove Awards  I actually detected modesty, after witnessing a gentleman demonstrating what Jesus stated; let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, Mat. 5:16. that man turned out to be gospel recording artist of Pastor Charles Westmorland. Humility can have a lasting impression.

Paul spoke of humility to the People of Philippi and Romans: Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves, Phil. 2:3-11  for by the grace given me I say to everyone; do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment. These passages matches up to what Charles displayed during this note-worthy event (Hind sight is truly twenty-twenty.)   I saw a man with distinguished character of sorts while interviewing Jamie-Grace, new artist of the year nominee, in comparison to other reporters buzzing about the room like busy bees. My thought, he had to be working for someone other than himself.  One lesson I learned through my walk with Christ if you see a person doing a great thing; family, friend, or stranger, compliment them, people frequently hear negative and not enough kind accolades.

After a quick introduction my speculation was true, besides being a singer with the Charles Westmorland Chorale, he was on assignment interviewing for the internet radio show, The Circuit with Valerie where he has a featured segment called “The power up moment.”  The Circuit gives Charles a platform to provide practical application to daily challenges listeners face based on scripture.  What I saw firsthand now makes sense as to why his light shown so bright!  I had to let it be known that Charles’ humility was visible; his light was not hiding under any bushel. 

What I perceived, from my initial observation as humility in a stranger became a lesson of what the rewards can be for a person who submits humbly unto God.  Charles stated, he is currently not singing professionally even though his intent was to sing forever. It was a struggle, a tug-a-war wanting to pursue music yet God was pulling him into Ministry.  The turning point came from lessons taught at an early age “the best place you can ever be is in the will of God”

As immortal humans we often struggle in this area of trying to out wit God by wanting our desires answered on our scheduled yet when they come back delayed we question God.   As the saying goes; ‘if you want to make God laugh tell Him your plans.’ The number one struggle in a person’s Christian walk is learning how to submit to God’s Will, and giving up the control.  We lay out goals and visions for ourselves while never consulting God about His master plan.  It is God who directs the lives of his creatures, Rom. 12:2 and not us directing or tell God what to do.  By committing and meekly coming before the Lord he will provide the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4-5

Pastor Westmoreland made it clear, once he submitted and realized that his music would have to be put on hold, God begin to shift and show there was more than just a word in song, there is a word/message in preaching.  For the past year, Westmorland, and wife Deloris, has been the full-time Pastors at Restoration Ministries in Jonesboro, Georgia. Rest a sure “[congregation] people know that the music is word based and high spirited throughout the worship service and that Charles has a passion to get the message out not only through song but through word.

No matter where you are right now; in a struggle, hopeless, a storm, or wilderness, the first step is to submit to God’s Will and form a relationship.  So for those who are fighting and resisting God, pursue a strong bond with Him it increases ones faith and you will begin to find where God’s true faith actually lie. For each step you take in your walk of faith; from ankle deep, to knee deep, waist deep, until you are wading in the deepest part of the ocean God will provide away.  Get in His will. As Pastor Westmoreland illustrated, once in the will, “God allows you to move into what he has for your life.” So when you reach a barrier or crossroad, “the provisions you need will be at every juncture.” If God is telling you to move in a certain direction go, as stated earlier when you get to every juncture he will make a way.

As for Charles’ music, the mantle has been passed on to his son Darius Westmoreland who has started to write and produce music, some of which is song during weekly church service. Parents are always proud of their children, especially Charles and Deloris Westmorland because their music now lives through their son; “It’s like God morphed a bit of me and a pinch of that from his mother and created a 21^st century musical talent”.

Restoration Ministries is located at 3057 Walt Stephens Rd. Jonesboro, Rd. 30236. Weekly services start at 1:30 P.M.

The Circuit with Valerie, an internet radio show that features hot topics and Gospel music. Check it out Sun.@9am and Wed. @2pm on freedemradio.com

 

Tigner J.

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