Perseverance

Mary and I were making our way home yesterday from Columbia when we noticed the very high traffic volume on Interstate 70, westbound.  We knew it was a holiday weekend, and expected some high traffic, but it was unusual in its pattern.  As we traveled eastbound, we noticed at times traffic was literally stopped, while at other times it flowed at normal speed.  There was no accident or road construction, so it was a bit of a mystery as to its erratic flow.

 

Our son Michael was on his way from St. Louis to Olathe, so we called him to inform him that he might experience some delays in travel.  We talked with him last night, the journey taking about an hour and a half longer than usual. 

 

I was thinking about this in relation to our ministries.  At times it seems like our journey resembles that of I-70 yesterday.  At times flowing freely, going well and on time.  At other times it seems like we are at a standstill for no apparent reason.  It is frustrating and sometimes confusing. However, just as Michael did yesterday, we must stay on course, keep moving forward, and someday we will reach our destination.  Hebrew 12:1 says:

 

“…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

 

Remember, you are always doing more than you think….God is never late, and He has a good purpose for you and your life. 

Young William Wilberforce was discouraged one night in the early 1790s after another defeat in his 10 year battle against the slave trade in England. Tired and frustrated, he opened his Bible and began to leaf through it. A small piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the floor. It was a letter written by John Wesley shortly before his death. Wilberforce read it again: "Unless the divine power has raised you up... I see not how you can go through your glorious enterprise in opposing that (abominable practice of slavery), which is the scandal of religion, of England, and of human nature. Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you? Are all of them together stronger than God? Oh, be not weary of well-doing. Go on in the name of God, and in the power of His might." 

Daily Bread, June 16, 1989.

 

Some thoughts from Dr. Warricks POP presentation:

When you consider the “culture” of your church, is it….

1.      Reactive or Proactive?

2.      Maintenance or Missional?

3.      Event centered or Lifestyle centered  (“Lifestyle centered” is my addition)

4.      Budget driven or Faith driven  (“Faith driven” is my addition)

These are good discussion starters. Give them some consideration and thought….

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.  Christmas is now upon us.  I trust it will be a great time of celebration for you and your church. 

Until next time,

Pastor Mike