Connecting Points

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Today’s Topic: How Big Is God?

Today’s Text: Isaiah 40:12-14 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?

Ten years ago the Lord led the leadership of our church to begin a process to plan for the growth of His Kingdom. We organized a long range planning team that had two responsibilities: to evaluate the ministries of our church and their projected growth and facility needs; and to evaluate all the possibilities for providing a facility to meet those ministry needs. Everything was to be ministry driven, with a clear focus on what God was doing in us and around us.

After over a year of study and prayer, recommendations were made that set us on a course that has yet to see its fulfillment. For nine years we have been watching God work as we took steps of faith. We were able to purchase ten acres of incredible land, and it’s all paid for. We went through some very difficult times in a business relationship we had with the company we thought God had brought to us to build our church. We lost money. We got discouraged. But we kept believing that God was in control and that this setback would also be used by our Father to direct us and teach us to trust Him.

God presented us with an alternative to building – in fact two alternative building sites. Then one was taken away, and the other became a part of someone else’s plans for expansion. We waited. We prayed. We trusted our Father who loves us. We admit there have been times of discouragement. The congregation has gotten impatient at times. The financial support has diminished, which we believe is due to the lack of clear direction rather than the condition of their hearts. But we know that God has a plan, and when the time is right the next step will be revealed.

Last night the picture became clearer. The expansion plans of the other organization have failed. The building we would like to buy is back on the market. Now we will begin the next step. God has shown us which way to go for now. He knew it all along. He just wanted us to grow in our faith as we waited on Him. That waiting makes us stronger.

Is this God’s final decision? Can we really know? We know He has shown us that we must take the next step. But the ultimate outcome is His. We can trust Him.

These are hard lessons to learn. We want answers now. We want to know what God knows. But without faith it is impossible to please God. And it will take faith to move forward.  Faith that God will provide the resources and the wisdom for negotiating that will bring Him all the glory. Faith that God’s people will respond to this direction with faith and make renewed financial commitments to the project. Faith that God will provide for the needs of those who are selling the building. Faith that God is big enough to handle every detail and make it happen.

Start praying. Start giving. God is moving. We will move with Him.

Pastor John