It's Faith

...it's faith.  always has been.  always will be.   what do we believe?  and, do we still believe it when it's realllllllly hard to believe it?

This is the essence of a vital, growing, strong, un-shake-able relationship with Almighty God.  Do we believe He is who He claims to be?  AND, do we believe that when He seems to be otherwise?

For instance:   Just about six weeks ago, I surrendered to God's call on my life to plant a church.  Not my choice.  Not my preference.  Not my background.  Not my experience. AND I had big-time failed in my most recent ministry, two and a half years ago.  

I wouldn't have picked me, but it seems that God did.  

So, a safe assumption is:  Where God guides, He provides.   I've seen Him do this in my life and in the life of others.  This isn't a stretch to believe, for me.

Most of the time.

But, here I sit, six weeks in and the only thing really piling up over here is doubters and nay sayers.  The only accomplishment, it seems, is the creation of consternation in the life of some within the community.  The only acquisition, is the presence of blood in my stool --true story(hey, I didn't say this blog was for the weak of heart...).

What I don't have is a Children's Director, a Music Director, a place to meet or adequate financing.

My faith (what do i believe and do i still believe it when times are tough) is being challenged out the waazoooo.

Here's what I do have:  A God who asked me to do this.  A scenario that is completely beyond me and my ability (which is a terrific stage for God to show off). A situation where success is only measured, from heaven's perspective, by the depth of my surrender, love and obedience.

I have a couple of friends who cheer for me and this church.

And...I have faith; punched in the face, staggering-but-still-standing faith.  So far, I am able to believe that God is at work in my life and through my life and is doing something regarding this church, that I can't even fathom.

I do covet your prayers (a donation wouldn't offend me) and if you want to 'go for a ride...' keep reading.  I'll be posting the journey several times a week.

blessings,

brad (freshman church planter)

...it's faith.  always has been.  always will be.   what do we believe?  and, do we still believe it when it's realllllllly hard to believe it?

This is the essence of a vital, growing, strong, un-shake-able relationship with Almighty God.  Do we believe He is who He claims to be?  AND, do we believe that when He seems to be otherwise?

For instance:   Just about six weeks ago, I surrendered to God's call on my life to plant a church.  Not my choice.  Not my preference.  Not my background.  Not my experience. AND I had big-time failed in my most recent ministry, two and a half years ago.  

I wouldn't have picked me, but it seems that God did.  

So, a safe assumption is:  Where God guides, He provides.   I've seen Him do this in my life and in the life of others.  This isn't a stretch to believe, for me.

Most of the time.

But, here I sit, six weeks in and the only thing really piling up over here is doubters and nay sayers.  The only accomplishment, it seems, is the creation of consternation in the life of some within the community.  The only acquisition, is the presence of blood in my stool --true story(hey, I didn't say this blog was for the weak of heart...).

What I don't have is a Children's Director, a Music Director, a place to meet or adequate financing.

My faith (what do i believe and do i still believe it when times are tough) is being challenged out the waazoooo.

Here's what I do have:  A God who asked me to do this.  A scenario that is completely beyond me and my ability (which is a terrific stage for God to show off). A situation where success is only measured, from heaven's perspective, by the depth of my surrender, love and obedience.

I have a couple of friends who cheer for me and this church.

And...I have faith; punched in the face, staggering-but-still-standing faith.  So far, I am able to believe that God is at work in my life and through my life and is doing something regarding this church, that I can't even fathom.

I do covet your prayers (a donation wouldn't offend me) and if you want to 'go for a ride...' keep reading.  I'll be posting the journey several times a week.

blessings,

brad (freshman church planter)