Impossibilities??

Reading Exodus 14:5-18 the other morning, I got a sense of what Moses could have been feeling. OK, on a little smaller scale, but still, I could relate. I was able to enter the story.

We have been pursuing a vision to transform the spiritual landscape of Madison since the vision became clear in April of 2008. We call the vision "One Church, Regional Impact," and even though we have been making progress in so many exciting ways, daily there is this overwhelming sense of impossibility. Just like Moses and the children of Israel, there is this impossible barrier in front of us. Transform the spiritual landscape of Madison? Yeah, right!

And then, on top of the impossible barrier in front of us is the enemy bearing down on us, pursuing us, dominating the landscape--600 chariots!

Think about what it must have been like for the children of Israel, for Moses, in that moment. Put yourself there. Families all around you. Children. Helpless. Scared. No army. No defense. No escape.

Ever feel that way?

But consider this: you are there (we are here) because God has gone through considerable effort to bring you out of Egypt. You are God's people. God has promised you a new life. He has promised you a new home. And then He says, "Do not be afraid."

But it is so easy to be afraid, to fear, to become anxious, to worry, to fret, to obsess. It's so human.

And in that moment, is an opportunity to trust God and His promises!

That's where I am today. Sunday I will share the proposed new name for our ministry; a name that I believe will actually contribute toward our vision! Even the name change thing has seemed like an impossible barrier, and so my natural tendency is to worry. But, then I remember how much God has done. I remember the considerable effort He has made to bring us to this day. We are God's people. God has promised us a new life. He has promised us a new home. And He says, "Do not be afraid."

God is unchanging! God is enough! Be patient. For with God in your heart, nothing is lacking! let nothing distress you!