Last night, I had the opportunity to spend time praying with a friend from church and another pastor friend of his. They wanted to specifically pray with me about the church plant, it was such an encouraging and powerful time of prayer. It reminded me again that apart from consistent and focused prayer, this effort of starting a new church in Downers Grove will fail. While together, we spent time talking about the story of Joshua. Joshua was given a charge by God, "be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged", and was given a promise by God, "for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." These words from God provided Joshua with the courage to lead the people and take the land.
As we continue to dream about the new church in Downers Grove, there is a lot for us to be fearful about. Where will we meet, when will the money come in, who is going to come, how will we be received...these and many other questions are ones that can paralyze us with fear. But if we believe that God has called us to be a light in an area that needs the light of the gospel, and if we believe the promise of Scripture that He is with us, then we do not need to fear. The charge to Joshua is the charge to us, "be strong and courageous". We can go talk to people about Jesus and about the new church with strength and courage, not with fear. It does not mean that it will be easy, just continue reading the book of Joshua and you will see that truth. But we can continue moving forward with peace and confidence because we know that God has called us to be a light in darkness and that God has promised to be with us. And in the end, if God is for us, who can be against us.
So I encourage you, no I plead with you, to be committed to praying for the new church and all it's details. I am not just talking about short, two minute prayers (although those are great too), but will you spend significant amounts of time on your knees on behalf of the church plant? Do we believe that prayer makes a difference? And continue to be in the town of Downers Grove, sharing about Jesus and about the new church that is coming. As you do that, remember the charge to be strong and courageous for the Lord is with you!
Lastly, a reminder to all who are interested in the church plant that we will be having another Vision and Prayer Meeting on Thursday, May 7th at 7:00 PM. This meeting will be in Downers Grove, the details of exactly where will be finalized today so be sure to check the blog over the next few days. We will not have childcare, so be thinking about securing a babysitter. I am so excited for this meeting and what we will be talking about, please make it a priority to be there.
The journey continues...
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Love the call to prayer and to hear that others are joining in the prayer effort. Apart from Him we can do nothing! (John 15:5) Our flesh doesn't like this truth. The world would tell us that time spent on our knees is ineffecient and unproductive. But we are called to abide in the vine of Jesus. I continue to pray for God's growth in the believers from GEBC going to Downers Grove and God's salvation for those whom we will reach out to.
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