Now that I have had the chance to digest a little bit of this past weekends events, I thought I would share my findings with you all. Admittedly, I did not believe that we would see any new faces on Sunday. In fact, I was so convinced of it that I had already come to terms that nobody would show and my only hope was that others would not become discouraged as a result. When new faces came through the door I was actually caught off guard! I didn’t know how to react since I had never thought it a possibility. This may be a bit twisted, but I enjoy being wrong. I enjoy God revealing my lack of faith through His faithfulness. The only thing that I don’t enjoy is the regularity in which it happens.
So in light of this I have more to praise God for then just new people who attended one of our services. I am thankful for this; but I am equally thankful for the people who stepped up and gave God something to work with. God is so powerful that if we didn’t share His message, He could bring life to stones and they would proclaim His goodness…but He doesn’t. The reason He doesn’t is because that was never part of the plan. God always wanted to use us, and He did. All of you in some form or another were the hands of God. Three months ago you were presented with a vision and a direction; we were going to step out and we would all have to step up. That happened in a big way. So having already given much thanks to God, in no particular order I would now like to also thank all of you.
To the set-up team who through the strength of their own backs wake up early to ensure we have seats and all the equipment we need. To the sound guy’s who bring that equipment to life. To the musicians who use that equipment to lead us to higher ground and to all the voices that join in to praise our Lord. To the coffee lady and the men who follow her every bidding. I can’t encourage the coffee, but I do appreciate people staying awake while I preach, now that we are a morning service and all. Thanks to all of the people who are friendlier then I am; which may be all of you. I barely had a chance to welcome our guests because there were so many who were already making them feel welcome. To ALL of those who watch my children and the children of many. Thanks for teaching them and freeing me up to do what I need to do. And thank you to anyone who helped or brought food. This is always at the top of my personal list. It took a little longer then I wanted, but I finally got my barbeque!! To the media team who made a believer out of me. We’re not done yet, so keep up the good work. To those who passed out the literature; it’s not as easy as it looks…well done!
And finally to all of those who for years have invested in this church through service and prayer. This event stretches much father back then one day. It is a culmination of years of preparation and cultivation. So to all of those who have or still do call The Summit ‘my church’, thank you. And the best part of all, and I truly mean this, is that we are just getting started. I cannot wait to se what happens next. Like I say, I always enjoy God surpassing my own doubts and I look forward to seeing Him do it again in the near future.
So let me leave you with one final thought of encouragement and warning. Taking time to praise God is always the first step following an event like this. The second and almost simultaneous step is to once again prepare for battle. If we bask too long we will find ourselves speaking of past victories instead of future glories. In light of this I want to remind you of Paul’s words to the church of Ephesus:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
God bless,
Rob
