After nearly 25 years here at Community, I can’t even count the number of times I’ve thought something like: “How in the world are we going to survive without that person?” We’ve had great staff members go on to other churches and volunteers (who did the work of 100 people) move out of the area. I wanted to say to God, “NOW WHAT?”
Here’s the cool thing, God has ALWAYS provided. (And by the way, that’s true for me as well. Some day I’ll slip away into the sunset and God will provide exactly what this church needs.)
I started thinking about all of this when I was reading in John 16. The bottom line was simple, Jesus had to leave for God’s bigger picture/purpose to be fulfilled. What???
John 16:7 (NIV) “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
Yes, it will be way better when we get to heaven and we have it all! But, as difficult as it was for the disciples to hear at the time. Jesus was saying that this change was necessary to bring about God’s greater purpose for them and the Church.
Have you ever had to give up something only to realize later that you were actually in a better place now as a result of the change? Change can be tough, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good or necessary.
Today, could you just take a moment and ask God to make sure your heart is flexible enough to go with Him wherever He wants to take you?
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2 comments so far
John 16:8 "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness and judgment". This just really gives me relief because I know the Lord will judge all even the people in our lives we wish we could change but can't. Sometimes life and the world can be seem heavy because we see all the sin around but this is just a comforting reminder that God will deal with it all and it helps lift that burden off a bit and reminds me to step back and let God handle things!
John 16: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." All I can say is Amen to that! I really needed to hear this tonight!!
How I can relate to this chapter!!!
I can openly admit I have always had a huge fear and reluctant feeling in my heart for change. Reading this has helped me to really see the possibilities with Gods help. To also stop dragging my feet so much and go with the path that he is making for me. Thank you so much for these encouraging words.
Only five more days. Wow, this has been great!