Last week I wrote that if we built our church with 500 years in mind instead of 50 we would build with very different materials. If we built with generations of families in view instead of just our own individual lives our materials would be of the highest quality. And as a result, our church would be stronger and more resilient. Then we would be better positioned to survive present difficulties as well as establish a lasting future.
This time last year, we were planning our official launch. Through many conversations, planning meetings, relationship building, and all sorts of preparation we were finally going to open our doors. And as a church plant, in order to stand the test of time, we decided from the very beginning to go deep into the roots and soil for its foundation. This meant that all of our prayer, and planning, and practice would be investing at the root with many generations in mind. And it has been good. And it has been hard. And I am grateful for it all.
Furthermore, the truth is that we are still digging! Because after one year we are finding the soil hard and in some places unyielding. Circumstances and fruit have been jointly difficult. But someone said recently though our church is small, it is mighty. I believe that to be completely true. And even more true is this, that though we are small God is mighty. And the foundation He lays is sure. I am encouraged today by this, and by the words in Isaiah which read:
Therefore thus says the LORD God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’” (Isaiah 28:16)
I really enjoy that last part. That the one who believes in God’s cornerstone (Jesus) “will not be in haste.”
My prayer for us as a church is tied to this verse: that God would train us to continue in our work without rushing to completion or tiring of difficulty. And that the foundation we lay will be the same foundation God has laid, Jesus Christ the Son of God. May we trust in him and believe him in his timing and his work. Amen, and happy anniversary!
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