I am reflecting this morning after experiencing another wonderful weekend in which I sensed the Lord’s working in our church. We had a wonderful Seniors Fellowship on Saturday, and an amazing Sunday service.
I am trying to choose my words carefully here because no matter how I word this, it will not be sufficient.
Our church is currently experiencing a season in which the hand of God is very visible… we are seeing fruit from our soul-winning efforts and outreach… we have seen of late people making professions of faith on a weekly basis, we are seeing fruit in the area of growth in numbers, where this past Sunday was jam packed… we are seeing fuit of the surrendered life, as many folks committed to serving in one or more of our ministries… and to all those things I say “Praise the Lord”.
But it is not and was not always this way… this season that we are enjoying followed another season that was not so enjoyable… in 2011 there were trials, there was much sickness within the church, I preached the funeral of a dear friend, I went through some personal attacks and even sensed despair a time or two at that lack of response to the gospel.
While I personally would rather just be blessed all the time… I have found that the lessons we need to learn are usually learned in the season of trials and not necessarily in the season of blessings. So when those seasons of trials come upon us, (and they will), let’s look to those seasons with anticipation with what God may teach us. Let me share with you what God taught me through that season (and is still teaching me)…
Dependence – I cannot minister in my own strength, I must have the power of God on my life…. this requires submission on my part to the Word of God and the promptings of the Spirit of God… now that might sound simple to you and in theory it is, but how often does our agenda overstep God’s desires in our lives.
I must remember this is the Lord’s church and not mine. No matter how strong I want something, I must depend upon the timing of God, whether that is in a desire to see souls saved, or a building built, or a ministry started. If it is something God has given you through faith or vision… go at with all the energy you have… but if it is your agenda I must die to it.
Forgiveness – no matter what is said or done, you must always be ready to forgive and to minister to the needs of others… I must remember that God has forgiven me of far more than I have had to forgive others of. That thought alone brings conviction to me if un-forgiveness tries to creep in.
Faithfulness – We must stay with biblically proven methods knowing that we serve the God of faithfulness, who if we do not faint… we will reap in due season.
In the season of trials you learn that you are mere flesh… so that in the season of harvest, you don’t look out on packed pews and full altars and think that it was you… because you know that it was God. Thank the Lord for all the seasons we are allowed to go through.
As always, I welcome your comments.
Pastor
