G’Day Church!
Well, here we are again in the midst of change, situated halfway between our old building and our soon to arrive new building! We have started crossing over and are well past the point of no return now.
On that note, we read in Jeremiah 31 which announces a change of season for the people of Israel, it declares the promises of God to restore them from captivity, to a state of freedom, joy and growth. God has spoken to me and used Jeremiah 31 to alert me to the fact that our season is changing and we are going into a new stage of life and growth in One Church.
I want to make sure that I align my expectations (my prayers, thoughts, hopes, confessions, declarations, praise), and subsequent actions (also known as obedience), with God’s process in this season. I want to be working with God and cooperating with Him, as he allows and uses the various circumstances, challenges and victories to bring about the fullness of His promises to us.
Some of the signposts God has given me, to help me in the change are as follows:
1. Change my sounds of weeping and contending into sounds of praise, thanks and joy. (A sense that the season of ploughing ground and breaking barriers is done, now we wait for the harvest…)
2. Pray for those who have ‘fallen out’ of church to be restored back to health and vitality in Church. This is a major act of renewal and restoration that only God can do.
3. Prepare the hearts (of compassion, service) and minds (the systems and structures) of God’s People for sustained new growth.
4. Draw near to Jesus.
5. Find and stay in a place of rest, trusting God for His ways and timing to be perfect, as always.
All of this is an act of faith, believing I have heard from the Lord and then acting in accordance with that. I hope this inspires you, to do likewise in your situation.
God bless you today!
Ps Paul Botha
