Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” Judges 6:14

There are two things here which I want to reinforce from last Sunday morning.
Crestwood has been independent for two and a half years, we have seen much growth, numerically and we give thanks and all the glory to God. Who has blessed us way beyond our expectations, but hasn’t he promised us, if we trust him and pray he would. (Ephesians 3:14-20) But what about each of us individually?
Are we stronger now than we were a year ago. Have we learnt from the past, are we still totally dependant on others, or are where we are strong in the Lord’s strength with the church to support us.
This is the model that God wants us to have. We can’t do without the church to empower us as we are a vital resource for each other, but more importantly we can’t do without direct strength that comes from waiting and leaning upon the Lord (Isaiah 40:31).
The strength that you need is already within you, just as God was sharing into the life of Gideon, the big question is do we believe it and do we know where to look for it?
The important words in this verse are the last four. “I am sending you” it is not the church on its own sending you, it is not your personal ambition sending you, it is the magnificent king of heaven who is sending you. He believes in you, he knows you and he wants you to be successful.
It is time that we all realise that God is not looking for a single person or persons to lead us, but individuals that make up a mighty army who can take this area by storm. Yes we need leaders, but we also need faithful servants of Christ to carry out the spiritual battles that we face daily.
Can I use this opportunity at the beginning of a New Year to encourage you to remember your quiet times. How much time you spend in the day with Christ has a parallel effect of how much you know him, know who you are and are strengthened to do whatever it is that God sends you to do. If we don’t spend time praying and reading his word, we have less opportunity for God to speak into our lives, strength, power and encouragement, don’t cut off your lifeline.

Labels: Growth, Personal, Strength, Wait