Churches are for all kinds of people. At least that’s what people starting new churches often to say. My experience is that these church planters are telling the truth – or at least telling what they think is the truth they hope to embrace. Yet it is one thing to aspire – another to accomplish.
There is no accomplishing of anything unless God shows up in our midst.
The scriptures speak of God’s presence being a huge factor in the Gospel and Acts accounts when it came to the strong works of God occurring. “God’s Spirit was present to heal” is a recurring verse. God alone can accomplish what God can accomplish. Our part? To continue to show up!
As we show up in faithfulness and don’t give up, God shows up to provide the love only he can provide.
We live in the atmosphere of step-by-step relationship with Jesus. The fire of his life in our bellies keeps us in sync – not just with him but with all he loves and celebrates. Above all else, he celebrates people.
There is no progress on earth without his people loving what he loves, without his people loving those he loves.
Try this on for size: when we begin to struggle with those different than us - those challenging to us because they are ‘irregular’ to us - that is the sign it is high time to ‘Give up’ trying.
Prayer is for those who have no second plan. Prayer is THE plan. The process? We grow steadily to rely upon God’s presence – and prayer the communication pipeline for communication.
To all the irregulars – as the theologian Bob Barker would say, “Come on down!”