HC 3rd Birthday Message Blog
Reflecting on God's Faithfulness and Stepping into a New Season of Growth
As we pause to look back on the past year, we're reminded of the incredible ways God has moved in our midst. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to celebrate the milestones, but taking time to reflect on God's faithfulness is crucial for our spiritual growth and vision for the future.
The story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan River provides a powerful illustration of this principle. After witnessing God's miraculous parting of the waters, Joshua instructed twelve men, one from each tribe, to take stones from the riverbed and create a memorial on the other side. This act wasn't just about remembering a single event; it was about creating a lasting testament to God's faithfulness that would spark curiosity and conversation for generations to come.
As Joshua explained in chapter 4, verses 21-24:
"In the future when your descendants ask their parents, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God."
Like those stones by the Jordan, we too need tangible reminders of God's work in our lives. Whether it's keeping a journal, creating a photo album, or simply sharing stories with others, these "memorial stones" serve to strengthen our faith and inspire those around us.
As we reflect on the past year, there's much to celebrate. Lives have been transformed, relationships restored, and communities strengthened. We've witnessed salvations, baptisms, and countless moments of God's provision and grace. But these memories aren't meant to keep us stuck in the past – they're fuel for the journey ahead.
The Israelites didn't stay camped by their memorial stones. They pressed on to claim the Promised Land God had for them. In the same way, our reflections should spur us forward into new seasons of growth and opportunity.
So what does this look like practically? It starts with a renewed commitment to three key areas:
1. Prayer: As we step into a new season, let's commit to being a praying people. Not just casual, surface-level prayers, but fervent, expectant communication with our Heavenly Father. What might happen if we truly believed in the power of prayer to change lives and circumstances?
2. Serving: Every member of the body of Christ has a vital role to play. As 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us, we are many parts but one body. When we serve, we not only bless others but also experience the joy of using our God-given gifts. Whether it's working with children, greeting newcomers, or helping behind the scenes, there's a place for everyone to contribute.
3. Giving: Our approach to finances reveals much about the condition of our hearts. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Generous giving isn't about obligation; it's an opportunity to partner with God in His work and experience His blessing in return. As we read in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
As we commit to prayer, serving, and giving, we position ourselves for the growth and multiplication God desires. It's not just about addition – seeing a few more people join us each week. God is a God of multiplication, calling us to make disciples who make disciples.
This vision for growth isn't rooted in human ambition or a desire for recognition. It's about seeing more people have repeated opportunities to see, hear, and respond to Jesus. It's about equipping the next generation to stand firm in their faith amidst a challenging world. It's about being a light in our communities and beyond.
The journey ahead won't always be easy. Jesus himself promised that in this world we would have trouble. But he followed that warning with a powerful assurance: "But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). As we face challenges and setbacks, we can draw strength from the memorial stones of God's past faithfulness.
Let's not limit God by our small thinking or lack of faith. As we read in Ephesians 3:20-21, He "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!"
What might happen if we truly embraced this promise? If we dared to dream bigger, pray bolder, and step out in faith? The possibilities are limitless when we partner with an infinite God.
As we stand on the cusp of a new season, let's take a moment to reflect on God's faithfulness. Let those memories fuel our faith for the journey ahead. Then, with hearts full of gratitude and expectation, let's step forward into all that God has prepared for us.
What is God calling you to in this new season? How can you commit to prayer, serving, and giving in a way that stretches your faith? Remember, it's not about doing everything – it's about being faithful with what God has entrusted to you.
May we be a people who honor God with everything we are, trusting Him to do "immeasurably more" than we could ever ask or imagine. The best is yet to come!