Weakness

We are two weeks out from our inaugural church service. We have been having church in our homes and many fellowship and prayer times. The "inaugural" church service will be the first time we have the whole team here together. It is also the first "push" for having some neighbors and friends join us. Up to this point we have focused on building the kind of family that "those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47) could find love in, and among God's children.

Today I reflected with Francine how God has a plan, and it is not ours...

Isaiah 55:8
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.

There was a plan in place to send out the planting in September. We have been here two months already and were trying to get things moving early. There has been a frustration at times with not seeing things progress how I imagine. Should I be surprised by this? I shouldn't... but none the less I am.

Building family is not a quick process, even in those who share the same blood. Uncovering sin and our character flaws seems to be more prominent than preaching the gospel. Then again, I think the gospel is spelled out and exhibited in this very process.

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

In all of this I am wrestling with the ability to keep this all in mind. Is there weakness? Yes, lots. Is Grace and work powerfully? Of course. Do I walk the walk and talk the talk? Only in Christ; which is the real trick.

I have been on my knees much of the time here. I ask, "Why? When? What?" Then I stumble on with each day. It seems everything has been a surprise and things our completely out of my control. Yet, isn't that what I signed up for? It is Christ who is at work in me and in the Kingdom of God.

Amazingly God is working to "restore/resurrect" me, each member of the team, and those around us with equal perfection. His power is made perfect in all this weakness. The best part about weakness is that we don't even have to work very hard on that part. We are just weak naturally. I guess accepting that is the challenge, right?

Please pray for us to love one another, lay down our lives for the "least of these," and maintain our acceptance of God's joy, peace, and perfect power. Amen.