Dear Highlawn,
The truly wise among us have learned to see challenges as opportunities in disguise. When we look at difficult times through worldly eyes we see things very short-sightedly. We see the immediate and we turn to conventional wisdom for help. As a result, we run the danger of becoming anxious and frustrated. Worse, we run the danger of taking that anxiety and frustration out on those nearest to us. But when we try to see things from God’s perspective and function through His wisdom, there is a much different outcome.
The Word of God tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” God’s promise to us, is that He will never fail to provide us with a way to avoid doing the wrong thing. That takes the form of seeking His wisdom before anything else, including assessing the situation. When something that looks like a problem hits, remember Solomon: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. -Proverbs 3:5
If this past year has taught us anything, it is that God is faithful. God provides our resources, our talents, and our brothers and sisters in Christ to meet the challenge and to be victorious. Those challenges are usually opportunities to do ministry and to mature as a Christian. Consider for a second where you are in the discipleship path. Are you a Worship Service Only Christian? Are you involved in a discipleship class but little else? Are you engaged in the missions and community activities? Are you ready and willing to tell others about how Christ has affected your life?
The progression of Love God – Share His Word – Love Others – Spread the Gospel, is an indicator of how far you are along in being a Disciple of Christ. God wants each of us to become as close to Him as possible while being an active part of His Kingdom. Sometimes when a challenge comes our way, God uses it to move us further along the path. Other times He uses it to make us aware of a need among the people inside or outside our walls.
According to the latest research done by the Convention, the unchurched population in our state has risen to 87%. In more personal terms, for every ten people you see today, at least 8 do not currently attend a church. The eternal destiny of those 8 people may rest on how willing we are to submit to the conviction to invite and welcome others to hear the Gospel and to hear how it has impacted our lives personally.
Our point to consider over the course of this coming year is to remember that no matter the challenge, we never face it alone. Avoid anxiousness and pray for God to reveal the opportunity in the situation and what His will is for you to be part of the solution. Then seek the support of your Church family in turning the challenge into a work of ministry.
Paul puts it this way: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. -Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)
Love God – Share His Word – Love Others – Spread the Gospel
“Know Christ and Make Christ Known.”
Yours in Fellowship,
Jason