Holding Fast to Learned Lessons
Posted by Pastor Pat on December 11, 2008
Rick Warren, in 1995, wrote, “Surfing is the art of riding waves that God builds. God makes the waves; surfers just ride them. No surfer tries to create waves. If the waves aren’t there, you just don’t surf that day! On the other hand, when surfers see a good wave, they make the most of it, even if that means surfing in the middle of a storm. Only God can create waves – waves of revival, waves of growth, and waves of spiritual receptivity.” (Warren, The Purpose-Driven Church, 13-14).
His observation is insightful and correct. In God’s good providence He has chosen to bring us through many events that, at times, appeared dark and less than favorable. In the midst of our hardships we often lost sight of the larger picture. We were so close to the problem that the various pieces were all fuzzy. God, in His grace, is slowly allowing us to step back and see the bigger picture. Activities that once appeared to be disjointed are now coming into focus. God is choosing to act in our midst. God is creating a wave of opportunity that is going to launch us into this century in a mighty way. It is not something we will be able to explain or take credit for. It will be big enough that only God could have done it and only He will be able to receive glory for it. There are lessons we have learned over the last few years that are invaluable. They are lessons He has wanted us to learn in preparation for this moment.
First, God is in control. Psalm 103:19, “The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.” If we are to learn anything from all that is unfolding around us it is this, “God rules.” It is impossible for finite man to figure out an infinite God. His sovereignty is not something to be analyzed but rather rested in. Knowing that God is in control of the details allows us the liberty to serve without restraint.
Second, prayer is a vital part of knowing and growing God’s way. God, in His wisdom, invites us to pray as the means of seeing His immutable will unfold in time. To me, this is one of the great mysteries in Scripture. I am not so sure we are to figure it out as much as we are to simply pray. Paul exhorts us to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). Jesus said it this way, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).
Third, love builds God’s church. Paul said, “Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies” (1 Cor. 8:1). The New Living Translation gives us this rendition, “Love builds the church.” First Corinthians 13 reminds us that life without love is like trying to embrace a shadow. It is empty and meaningless. John’s language is even more telling, “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8).
Fourth, the Word is the bedrock for Scriptural growth. Acts 6:7, “The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.” We can never afford to forget it is the Word of God that “restores the soul” (Ps 19:7), “makes wise the simple” (v.7), “rejoices the heart” (v.8), and “enlightens the eyes” (v.8). The list is endless. The Word impacts us in ways we cannot even begin to imagine.
Fifth, Biblical unity exists with diversity and does not demand conformity. Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes.” First Corinthians 12 reminds us there are many members but only one body. How foolish for us to fight over preferences and personalities when eternity beckons.
As an heir of the kingdom (James 2:5) will you not join me by resting in His rule, praying for His will, loving His work, studying His Word and loving His people?
God has been teaching us these “growth” truths. They form for us the platform from which God is going to launch His ongoing ministry. We are finding, celebrating and declaring that Jesus Christ is enough in this life and in the life that is to come. May we continue to see this message preached to every “tongue, tribe, people and nation.” May grace continue to reign!
By Pastor Patrick J. Griffiths. For more information see the Waukesha Bible Church series on Galatians.
