Tracking Progress

Okay, so I've been reflecting on that past number of years since we started Abundant Life Church. It has often been said, and some of you have heard me say it, that to know if you're in God's will, just look behind you and see where He's brought you. Romans 12:1&2 is a key scripture passage for understanding God's will. Verse 2 especially says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Lately, we've been able to test God's will. Think of how he's been moving in our church:
  1. He brings the right people into our congregation to help grow the areas that need development.
  2. We do all that we are supposed to do to grow the church and establish it in the community.
  3. Growth has been slow, but the vision and faith in our body has grown tremendously.
  4. Just when we are wondering what else needs to be done, God opens our eyes to his greater plan. This is where we have just been recently. In December we received a clear calling from God to move the church to Fruita. To be honest I wasn't sure what to make of it. I was certain that many of our people would not want to go. But God, who is far greater than we can think or imagine..... proved me wrong.
  5. God's vision rests into the hearts of our congregation and everyone agrees Fruita is the place.
  6. Then, just this past Sunday, we had a 100% yes vote from our members and regular attenders to pursue moving into the recently renovated bank building in downtown Fruita. To me this is incredibly affirming.
So take a look. God is showing us his will. It has been an interesting journey of faith. It has shaken me an a number of our group to the core. It has brought us to our knees in intense prayer. It has put us in a place where God has to show up big time or it ain't going to happen. There is a lot of money to raise through grants, pledges and donations of time and materials. Yet, I have never felt so much excitement and enthusiasm from our group. That is where we are supposed to be for God to move in us in great ways. We are getting out of the boat and are beginning to walk on water.

My prayer has become, "thy will be done. Thy kingdom come." I through up my arms and say, "have at it God. Build your kingdom in Fruita.. and use us to bring it about." Pray that the Holy Spirit goes out ahead of us to prepare hearts and lives to receive Christ.

AKD


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