It seems like there are lots of new things happening at church recently: our partnership with Corrimal; search for a new Youth minister; search for a new Assistant Minister; new property; etc etc. And this is on top of recovering from the changes COVID brought. So, I’m finding Elsa’s words from Frozen 2 ringing in my ears:
“Into the unknown … oh oh oh oh”
I’m not a fan of change. I like things to be safe and predictable. Change is uncomfortable. But try as I might I can’t manage to avoid it. And God has used times of change and uncertainty to grow my faith and dependence on him.
As we face times of change, what do we need to remember?
Firstly, all our plans (large and small) are in God’s hands. James’s warning rings in our ears.
Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it’s the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.
James 4:14-15
Let us all approach things prayerfully, and in knowledge of God’s will. How can we know his will? By spending time in his word, and considering how to apply it to our lives.
What we see of ‘church’ on a weekly basis is but a shadow of God’s true heavenly church. What plans does He have for His church?
… just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
Ephesians 5:25-27
God is working through His church so that she will be presented pure and spotless on they day of Jesus’ return. We can keep this big picture in mind when approaching changes in how things might be happening on a week-to-week basis.
Change can be uncomfortable, but it that doesn’t mean it’s bad. Adjusting to change takes energy, and a willingness to challenge our complacency. In times of change we make plans as best we can, and put our trust in God.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Ultimately, the future isn’t unknown. Our sovereign God has all things under his control. So let us pray that His will be done, and seek to bring glory to him in all that we do.
Kate Williams | 5pm service
