Change

Change...it can really be a problem...or a blessing...kind of depends on your perspective. For instance, if you're in a really bad situation, like a drought, you'd welcome change...a little rain. But, if you're having what some people would term a "string of good luck" you don't want anything to change. As a matter of fact you might even get a little superstitious about change.

But all things considered, I think most of us resist change. There is just something uncomfortable about change. We don't really like it when someone changes our presets on the radio or when a restaurant changes the recipe of our favorite dish. Detours really throw us for a loop because it makes us change our normal route and even house guests (even ones we love) can make us irritable because they force us to change our routine.

The truth is, unless we perceive that there is a huge benefit to change, we will probably fight it. In other words, if we discover a great new radio station as a result of someone changing our presets, we welcome the change. If changing our hairstyle gets us lots of compliments, we'll probably adopt the new hairstyle as the "new norm."

The key is, we have to be willing to try something new with an open mind and for long enough to decide whether there is a benefit to the change. Of course, no where is this more true than in the church. Change is especially difficult in the church because everything we do in church is connected either directly or indirectly to our worship and relationship with God. As a result we tend to see the status quo, or normal way of doing things, as sacred. Somewhere we got the idea that "sacred things" shouldn't be changed and most of us are pretty sure that God feels that way too. Man, not much could be further from the truth.

God is a God of change. From Genesis and the story of Abraham where God asked him to move to a new country, changed his name and turned his life upside down with the birth of an unexpected child, to the book of The Revelation where God promises a new, changed heaven and earth, and practically everywhere in between, God is a God of constant, radical and complete change.

The good news is this: When God recommends, requires, or instigates change, the benefit will always outweigh the inconvenience. So...we will be better off to change as God leads because He only asks us for change when we will be improved by it.

There have been many times in my life when God asked me for change. At the time, it was hard to imagine that the change could possilby be for my good. However, as I look back at many of those times now, I see not only was the change for my good, but for His glory as well. Can you think of some times like this in your life? Perhaps, God is asking you to embrace some kind of change right now. Why not say "yes" to the God of change?

What's next?

Well, my first month as Pastor of Faith Baptist is just about over. In some ways, it seems like I've known the "Family of Faith" for much longer. I feel very much at home when preaching and teaching, and Jane and I feel very comfortable in our new home. The transition in most ways has been extremely smooth, far above average I'd say, and God has blessed our ministry from the first day in Marion.
Yesterday I was privileged to be able to experience a major milestone at Faith after just three weeks as its pastor. I was present for the closing on the property that God has allowed us to be the stewards of and last evening many of us went there to pray and dedicate the land to the Lord.
It occured to me today, when I drove out to look at the property again, that the possibilities for what God intends to do on that 17 acres are endless. I could envision lots of things happening there that would bring glory to God and bring people into His kingdom. I got excited just thinking about it.
The steps that we take together over the next few weeks and months will determine how we measure up to God's plan for Faith Baptist. Those steps must be taken with care, in unity, and with absolute confidence.

• With care because our steps determine our destination. Each step is an important part of the process in getting to where God wants us to be. Each step must be taken following much prayer and consideration of God's will for us as a church.
• In unity because we must move in the same direction in order to avoid confusion and misdirection. The Word says, confusion is not of God. The history of the church of Acts suggests that God always shows up when His people are of one mind.
• With absolute confidence because when we hear from God and move in obedience to His commands, we can walk confidently forward knowing that God will honor His promises and see us through every circumstance.

I urge you to join with me in praying, believing, and moving confidently forward toward God's high calling for us as a church. What's next only God knows, but we can be sure that wherever He leads and whatever He calls us to do will be for our good and His glory!

Pastor Rick