These days we are living in seem to be bringing out the best and the worst in information, especially from those who are wanna-be forecasters of the future.
With this in mind, i want to write some inspiration, yes, hopeful words for these unusual times.
While some are predicting that many pastors, leaders, and churches will soon crash-and-burn, i would like to offer some words to elevate our hearts towards the One Who is lifting us -- as His beloved ones -- in prayer even now in Heaven. Yes, indeed, just as our Lord prayed for Peter during a season when Satan asked "to sift him," -- Luke 22:31-32 -- so our Lord intercedes in The Throne Room of God on our behalf during our present season of sifting.
"Christ Jesus Who died -- more than that, Who was raised to life -- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:34b [NIV]
This next Scripture passage is where i would like to begin sharing Some Hopeful Words for Unusual Times:
"So no wonder we don’t give up. For even though our outer person gradually wears out, our inner being is renewed every single day. We view our slight, short-lived troubles in the light of eternity. We see our difficulties as the substance that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison, because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 [TPT]
Let me offer 3 reasons from the realm of the forever, that tell us why we don’t have to be pastors, leaders, or churches who fear crashing and burning in the moment:
[1] We are People of Vision!
Proverbs 29:18 clearly says: "Where there is no vision, the people perish!" [KJV]
Might i submit this truth: "Where there is vision the people flourish."
We are people of vision, and it’s the One in Whom we look to, Jesus Himself, that is our Vision! As we fasten our focus on Him, we surely flourish in His faithfulness.
The old Irish hymn gives us Hope when it comes to being people of vision:
"Be Thou my vision,
O Lord of my heart!
Naught be all else to me,
save thy Thou art.
Thou my best thought
by day or by night.
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light."
Yes, we are experiencing dark times, nevertheless, His presence is our light.
Yes, We are People of Vision.
[2] We are People of Wisdom!
"But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:16 [NIV]
Have we not been promised the mind of Christ? Is it not even now being fully formed within us? It’s true. His thoughts are becoming our thoughts. That’s real wisdom, my dear brothers and sisters.
The second stanza of that old Irish hymn helps us to see our Hope once again:
"Be Thou my wisdom
and Thou my true word.
I ever with Thee,
and Thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great father,
i Thy true son.
Thou in me dwelling,
and i with Thee one."
Take heart, my friends, for we have a Living Hope, yes, a blessed assurance in these times and for all times:
We are a People of Wisdom.
[3] We are People of Victory!
As we face these unusual days, the One we look to is not uncertain. In fact, He is unwavering. Our Hope is alive and He is in love with us. We know, Jesus will never abandon His own.
Let us never forget that our God surely is:
A. The Omnipotent One -- all-powerful.
B. The Omniscient One -- all-knowing.
C. The Omnipresent One -- ever-present everywhere.
Friends, The One we trust totally in is truly the Overseer of the Overcomers. Yes, He is indeed, the Victor of the Victors. Doesn’t sound much like crash-and-burn type titles to me! How about you? [Let’s get a new, victorious grip on His enduring and amazing grace.]
"Victory comes from You, O Lord. May You bless Your people." Psalm 3:8 [NLT]
And guess what else? Not only do we have the Victory! The Victor has us! And, is with us! And, is even within us!
Finally, a third verse of that old Irish hymn reinforces our reasons for Hope and Victory in our King, The Nazarene:
"High King of Heaven,
my victory won.
May i reach Heaven’s joys,
O bright Heaven’s sun.
Heart of my own heart,
whatever befall.
Still be my vision,
O Ruler of all."
Let’s tell our souls to rest, and let’s remember The One Who is with and within us during these restless days and arresting nights. Hope in Him will sustain us to and through The End. And then, The New Beginning will be ours for forever! Hallelujah!
Yes...
...We are a People of Vision!
...We are a People of Wisdom!
...We are a People of Victory!
Benediction:
"Thou and Thou only, first in my heart. Holy King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art."
My heart cries out in Hope: "MARANATHA!"
Hope Happens HERE!
Presence Matters Most!
No Invisible People! UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
District Servant (Superintendent)
Philadelphia District
Church of the Nazarene
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