a GO faith-challenge
I've heard from several CLCers since this weekend who all have a similar 'theme' - namely, "we'll make this safe commitment that we know we can do, but we really hope to be able to 'do more' later".
If you're thinking that way about this coming Sunday, could I challenge you for a moment?
The truth is, GO is not about us figuring out how much we can afford. It's about hearing from God what HE wants us to do, by faith. So if we have an idea of what we want to do, but we settle for a lower figure, thinking we don't want to commit to something we might not be able to do later, where is the faith in that?
What I've learned in life is that when I sign my name to a commitment, I usually find a way to keep it. But if I never stretch myself to make the commitment in the first place, I probably won't keep it. If you've had that same experience, I'd love to hear your story - it would encourage others as well. Or if this doesn't make sense to you, I'd like to hear that, too.
Remember: we're not looking for fantasy commitments. But I do want to challenge every CLCer to step up and make a commitment that you know will require your faith and your sacrifice, along with God's provision, to make it happen. Then and only then will we GO!
If you're thinking that way about this coming Sunday, could I challenge you for a moment?
The truth is, GO is not about us figuring out how much we can afford. It's about hearing from God what HE wants us to do, by faith. So if we have an idea of what we want to do, but we settle for a lower figure, thinking we don't want to commit to something we might not be able to do later, where is the faith in that?
What I've learned in life is that when I sign my name to a commitment, I usually find a way to keep it. But if I never stretch myself to make the commitment in the first place, I probably won't keep it. If you've had that same experience, I'd love to hear your story - it would encourage others as well. Or if this doesn't make sense to you, I'd like to hear that, too.
Remember: we're not looking for fantasy commitments. But I do want to challenge every CLCer to step up and make a commitment that you know will require your faith and your sacrifice, along with God's provision, to make it happen. Then and only then will we GO!
posted by Pastor Jerry McQuay at 9:34 AM
2 Comments:
Hi Pastor Jerry: I think Hebrews 11:1 describes it best: Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. If we can see it, it's not faith, it's us. I know with Ken and I, we knew what we could do and used that as the starting point. Then took the next step and said now, God, show us what YOU can do. Throughout the fast God has shown me ways to cut back on not only Sprite (ouch!), but spending and eating. We serve a God of order and He loves us enough to show us in little ways how to be discipline in all areas of our lives in order to prepare for GO!. Branches can't produce fruit unless they are sometimes pruned and I believe that God is cutting us back in some areas so that He can do exceedling and abundantly above all that we can ask or think. Patricia E.
Well said, Pat. The process can be both scary and painful, but it's also exciting to follow a God like that!
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