This month marks 28 years for me in the same city, the same church. Most days I can't believe it's been that long! Also this month marks 3 years as lead pastor. I remember years ago thinking, "I could never speak every week." Yet with God's help I do it.
It humbles me to see the hundreds of folks that gather here every week as well as the nearly 200 C3 partners that were here Sunday night. How does it happen? The big answer is that "God gives the increase." But the other part of it is that we are partners together with Jesus as we plant, water, and care for the seedlings, the new believers and the trees, the more mature believers. And so much of that is not glorious but something you just keep doing. You keep at it. You go to the plate and keep swinging. You keep showing up. You keep studying. You keep preaching. You keep praying. You keep giving. You keep staying on your knees. You keep loving. You refuse to get cynical. You refuse to quit loving people. Bottom line??? Don't give up!
- How many churches have closed their doors because somebody gave up?
- How many marriages are over because they gave up?
- How much potential sits on the shelf because somebody gave up?
- How many kids are wasted because they gave up?
Don't give up! Don't quit! If you need to move, do it! If you need more training, do it! But don't give up!
2 comments:
It helps to know others also struggle and need to hear dont give up.
Loving people if tough. They dont always do things to create feelings of love.
Good word, P. Shawn. You're awesome!!
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