Heat Almost Always Reveals the Truth. I have been told an illustration many times before, but its truth has become more clear to me through this church planting process I have been in. A sponge does a very good job at soaking up and hiding its contents inside. Its only when the sponge gets squeezed that the contents within come gushing out. God, in His grace, has used this new church planting season, a season of being “squeezed,” to show me what comes gushing out of my own heart. And as I look at where I have been, I will be ever grateful and thankful that the fire and heat God brought brings truth to light and my dross to the surface!
If Humble Dependence Dies, So Does the Church. I can still remember the day I was told of this new church planting opportunity and realizing I needed to get on my knees. One, because I knew there would be important decisions being made by many in the following weeks and months, and two, because I knew I shouldn’t join this endeavor unless it was God moving me. I still want to be in that place of dependance as one of the many who serves in this new church plant. Unless God builds His church, the laborers work in vain. If God isn’t in every step of a new church plant then there is no lasting hope.
Missions is Every Believers Calling. I haven’t really understood this reality until being called out of comfort into a city filled with sin, sinners (including me) and a field white unto harvest. God hasn’t called me to a different country, but He has called me to be a missionary. A missionary right where I live. He calls us all to that same mission, His mission! You shall be my witnesses, in your home town, the surrounding towns, the surrounding regions and states and countries, and to the farthest reaches of this world! The Gospel is for all peoples, all nations, including my neighbors in my apartment.
He is my Great Shepherd. As I move forward, I am thankful for this season. Is it easy, no. Is it rewarding, YES. I have come to see my God, who He is and what He provides and has provided, in ways I wouldn't have had I not entered this season. Of course, the Lord is leading me as my Great Shepherd, and even though I walk through the valleys, I walk through. I am not overtaken by them, for the Lord is my Shepherd! He prepares a table for me, in the presence of my enemies. My cup overflows! I am excited for His future leading! Even though it won't be easy, in His presence there is Fullness of Joy! At His right hand are pleasures forevermore!
