Surrendering to Christ

   As we prepare for tomorrow morning, I wanted to share some thoughts from our text in II Kings 7:1-9. Let me encourage you to reread that passage and pray through it. Put yourself in the situation. I don't know about you, but I can relate in some ways to the emotions the people felt.

   Have you ever been in a crisis situation? I mean, it was such a desperate circumstance that there was no way out unless God moved in a miraculous way? Maybe there have been times in your life when things just seemed so hopeless that you were on the verge of giving up all hope. Perhaps you have just felt "stuck" in your present circumstances and wished your life could change for the better. When we are in those seasons, it is easy to get frustrated, angry, depressed. Our faith can even be shaken. We begin to doubt God's goodness, His grace, His sovereignty, and wonder if He really cares about us.

   They say confession is good for the soul. Well, here is my time to confess. I have been in those seasons. I have experienced all those emotions. I am currently going through one of these seasons right now. I know it seems like pastors have it all together, and they should have the answers. Sometimes that is true. However, sometimes God takes pastors through incredibly dark valleys so they can come face to face with the fears, emotion, and inner struggles that battle everyday. Can I let you in on a secret? He does that with all of His children.

   So, as you read our passage and pray for God's Spirit to move in your hearts and in the hearts of our congregation, here are some things to consider:

   The lepers had the answer to their fellow citizens dilemma. Has God provided you with the answer for someone's problem close to you? Notice the lepers first inclination. They wanted to hide the spoils of the camp. That is our first inclination as well. We want to horde what God has given us to use. Many people will never realize God's plan for them because they hold onto something in their life God is asking them to release.

   Are we as a church willing to release our rights and preferences so that others may know Jesus Christ?

   Are we willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of the gospel?

   What is God calling you to surrender to Him so that He can bring you into a new season of effectiveness for His kingdom?

   I don't usually ask for personal prayer. You guys have enough going on in your lives. But I do want to share something deeply personal. For a long time I have struggled with whether or not I am still being effective as your pastor. I sincerely want what is best for each of you personally, and what is best for New Hope. The last thing I want to be is a stumbling block or obstacle to what God wants to do here.

   So, would you pray with me that God will move in our congregation in a mighty way and that God would remove any obstacles that are hindering what He wants to do?

   Thank you for your prayers, your friendship, and being willing to surrender yourselves to Jesus Christ. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Blessings,
Bryan