Isaiah 43:18 - Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Sunday at church our Assistant Pastor, Cliff Cameron, discussed how, every nut and bolt of space shuttles have a specific function and are created just for that reason. Just like the men who designed the intricacies of the space shuttle, we have a God who has designed every part of us. He formed us in our mother's wombs. We each have our own DNA that differentiates us from the person next to us. At one point in the sermon Pastor made a statement about not thinking about our past. It immediately brought to mind what I believe God was showing me once before, years ago: Watch what I am going to do.
What happens if we don't realize we are all cut out of a special mold by God? What happens if all we can do is think about our past, who we were, what we went through, what we learned and inherited from parents or teachers...or anyone, how we molded our own lives? And--what happens if the Church never wants to let go of the things that hold it back from receiving more from God?
The good news is we don't have to be what we think we are. When we realize who we are in Christ, we are new and whatever lies we might have believed once before (you're not smart enough, you're not pretty enough, you'll not amount to anything, you make too many mistakes) we can cast aside all those lies and believe what Jesus tells us about ourselves... we are a new creation; we are God's workmanship; we are made alive; we are victorious; we are blessed; we are righteous (2 Cor.5:17; Eph. 2:10; 1Cor. 15:22; 2Cor. 2:14; Eph. 1:3; 1Cor. 1:30).
I've mentioned that our church is undergoing a trial, another division. Attendance has dwindled and we are in another transition. From outward appearances it looks impossible to imagine a church full and vibrant again. But God... I could use that phrase for just about anything because He is so able to turn things around.
A few years ago when our church underwent the first division I sought the Lord for guidance about what I was to do, to leave or stay, for discernment and about why those I knew had left. I remember the thought going through my head: Stay, get involved, dig in your heels and watch what I am going to do. How could I walk out because others I'd known did or because it was uncomfortable for a time? I didn't want to follow just because. Isn't it about banding together, becoming unified and in a God-like manner face the problems, with His help?
Needless to say, after division #2 I questioned again. I recalled the thought "watch what I am going to do." And no sooner did I pose the question "what did that mean?" the thought came to me that statement might not have had anything to do with what happened after division #1! He's just letting me know that He IS doing something and it will be done in His timing, not when I think it should. I feel as though today every person still attending is a special person, like the nuts and bolts of the space shuttle. Perhaps we're getting to a place as a church where we are not being molded by man but by God Himself.
I believe my faith is strong and I'm just going to continue to wait to see what He's going to do! Sometimes God has to do some things we don't always understand to get us trust that in the midst of difficulty He is doing a work. I believe our church needs to let go of some baggage. It's not about a man in the pulpit but about Who stands behind that man, Who is the heart and soul of the Church. The Church foundation, after all, is Jesus. Isaiah 28:16 prophesied Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation... and Ephesians 2:20 makes it clear, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone... Did you notice the progression...a stone...a cornerstone...a foundation. Tried...precious...sure. Progression that Jesus went through in His own life, trials that continued to strengthen. Now He is our Foundation. Watch what I am going to do, He's telling us.
Sunday at church our Assistant Pastor, Cliff Cameron, discussed how, every nut and bolt of space shuttles have a specific function and are created just for that reason. Just like the men who designed the intricacies of the space shuttle, we have a God who has designed every part of us. He formed us in our mother's wombs. We each have our own DNA that differentiates us from the person next to us. At one point in the sermon Pastor made a statement about not thinking about our past. It immediately brought to mind what I believe God was showing me once before, years ago: Watch what I am going to do.
What happens if we don't realize we are all cut out of a special mold by God? What happens if all we can do is think about our past, who we were, what we went through, what we learned and inherited from parents or teachers...or anyone, how we molded our own lives? And--what happens if the Church never wants to let go of the things that hold it back from receiving more from God?
The good news is we don't have to be what we think we are. When we realize who we are in Christ, we are new and whatever lies we might have believed once before (you're not smart enough, you're not pretty enough, you'll not amount to anything, you make too many mistakes) we can cast aside all those lies and believe what Jesus tells us about ourselves... we are a new creation; we are God's workmanship; we are made alive; we are victorious; we are blessed; we are righteous (2 Cor.5:17; Eph. 2:10; 1Cor. 15:22; 2Cor. 2:14; Eph. 1:3; 1Cor. 1:30).
I've mentioned that our church is undergoing a trial, another division. Attendance has dwindled and we are in another transition. From outward appearances it looks impossible to imagine a church full and vibrant again. But God... I could use that phrase for just about anything because He is so able to turn things around.
A few years ago when our church underwent the first division I sought the Lord for guidance about what I was to do, to leave or stay, for discernment and about why those I knew had left. I remember the thought going through my head: Stay, get involved, dig in your heels and watch what I am going to do. How could I walk out because others I'd known did or because it was uncomfortable for a time? I didn't want to follow just because. Isn't it about banding together, becoming unified and in a God-like manner face the problems, with His help?
Needless to say, after division #2 I questioned again. I recalled the thought "watch what I am going to do." And no sooner did I pose the question "what did that mean?" the thought came to me that statement might not have had anything to do with what happened after division #1! He's just letting me know that He IS doing something and it will be done in His timing, not when I think it should. I feel as though today every person still attending is a special person, like the nuts and bolts of the space shuttle. Perhaps we're getting to a place as a church where we are not being molded by man but by God Himself.
I believe my faith is strong and I'm just going to continue to wait to see what He's going to do! Sometimes God has to do some things we don't always understand to get us trust that in the midst of difficulty He is doing a work. I believe our church needs to let go of some baggage. It's not about a man in the pulpit but about Who stands behind that man, Who is the heart and soul of the Church. The Church foundation, after all, is Jesus. Isaiah 28:16 prophesied Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation... and Ephesians 2:20 makes it clear, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone... Did you notice the progression...a stone...a cornerstone...a foundation. Tried...precious...sure. Progression that Jesus went through in His own life, trials that continued to strengthen. Now He is our Foundation. Watch what I am going to do, He's telling us.
I believe God reminded me of Gideon's army. He had a very large army with which to fight the enemy. But God wanted Gideon and His people to realize that it was not the size and strength of the army but that it was He who would be their strength. He tells us He is our strength and our portion. So from 22,000 men to 300, Gideon proceeded to fight the enemy and won--through the power of God. In the world view there is strength in numbers. In God's view nothing is impossible with Him and strength comes from trusting and faith in only Him for all our needs.
This example is not just for our church but for each of us. We cannot allow our past...our past sins, disappointments or failures, to keep us from moving forward. If we follow God in faith and trust we cannot lose. We just don't know what behind-the-scenes things He needs to do before we see the results of His work. That's the beauty and mystery of God.
I can tell you I am still anxious to see what He is going to do...in my life, in my church and in the lives of those who know Him...even those who are going to know Him some day. We live comfortably for now day by day. But what happens if government fails us, people fail us, our spouses fail us, even our church fails us? God will always be there if we seek Him for our provision.
Isaiah 43:19 - Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
This example is not just for our church but for each of us. We cannot allow our past...our past sins, disappointments or failures, to keep us from moving forward. If we follow God in faith and trust we cannot lose. We just don't know what behind-the-scenes things He needs to do before we see the results of His work. That's the beauty and mystery of God.
I can tell you I am still anxious to see what He is going to do...in my life, in my church and in the lives of those who know Him...even those who are going to know Him some day. We live comfortably for now day by day. But what happens if government fails us, people fail us, our spouses fail us, even our church fails us? God will always be there if we seek Him for our provision.
Isaiah 43:19 - Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
So well said! Reminds me of Jesus talking to the Pharisees telling them to get rid of their religious traditions ... but they loved the traditions ... and the religion more than Him!
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