March 18, 2009

The Power Behind the People
Sandy Westra

S: I Cor. 3:7 "So neither he who plants, nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."

O: Paul was admonishing the Corinthian church members because it appears that they were becoming divided over "following" various personalities--Apollos, Paul, etc. Paul reminds them that they are losing sight of whom they should be focusing their devotion--GOD himself. Worldy teachers and leaders are merely servants, performing necessary and important work, but always subserviant to the master--God. This passage reminds me that GOD is the one who makes things grow. People are certainly vital instruments to fulfill God's work, but they have no power of their own to make anything grow.

A: As I consider the very real possibility that Andy and Jacie will be leaving Bridgeway, my natural inclination is to worry about the fate of our church if that happens, since both of them have been so foundational in shaping and maintaining what Bridgeway is.

This passage says to me: "Stop worrying! Andy and Jacie are simply tools used by God. GOD is the force behind what Bridgeway is and He's not going anywhere! He has every power to continue to make it thrive and be healthy."

Also from today's Bible reading: Joshua 1:6-9: Three times it says "Be strong and courageous." The Israelites were facing uncertainty and trepidation as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, but God promised great blessing on the other side. "Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."