2024-12-01 WAIT

Title: Embracing the Silence: Finding God in the Waiting

Have you ever felt like God has gone silent in your life? Like you're waiting for a message that never seems to come? You're not alone. Imagine living without your phone for 400 years—no texts, no calls, no updates. That's what God's people experienced between the Old and New Testaments. But what if this silence wasn't abandonment, but preparation? What if God is working behind the scenes, even when we can't see it?

The Preparation of Silence

In our fast-paced world, waiting feels like a burden. But what if waiting is actually a time of preparation? During the 400 years of silence, God was setting the stage for the arrival of Jesus. The spread of the Greek language, the construction of Roman roads, and the Pax Romana all played a part in making the world ready for the Gospel. Just because we can't see God working doesn't mean He's not. Remember, "God is never late; he’s seldom early; he’s always right on time."

The Faith of Silence

Waiting challenges our faith. It's easy to trust God when everything is clear, but genuine faith is trusting Him even when He seems distant. The Bible mentions waiting on the Lord almost 100 times, emphasizing that waiting builds our faith. Psalm 130:5 says, "I wait for the Lord; I wait and put my hope in his word." Waiting creates expectation, and expectation gives birth to hope. Just like a bodybuilder needs rest to grow muscles, our faith grows stronger in the silence.

The Impact of Silence

The anticipation of waiting can make the arrival of what we're waiting for even more powerful. After 400 years, God broke His silence with the birth of Jesus, the Word made flesh. This was the climax of God's redemptive plan. The silence made His arrival all the more impactful. In our lives, waiting can lead to profound encounters with God. Romans 8:22-23 reminds us that we are eagerly waiting for the redemption of our bodies, a renewed and restored reality.

So, how do we find comfort in waiting? Lamentations 3:25-26 tells us, "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks him. It is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord." Just as God's people waited for Jesus, we now wait for His glory to be made complete in all creation.

Conclusion

The point is, God is always at work, even in the silence. Embrace the waiting, trust in His preparation, and look forward to the incredible ways He will reveal Himself in your life. What will you do this week to embrace the silence and strengthen your faith? Will you trust God even when you don't see immediate answers?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the times of silence that prepare us and strengthen our faith. Help us to trust in Your timing and to find comfort in the waiting. May we always remember that You are at work, even when we can't see it. Guide us to embrace the silence and to look forward to the ways You will reveal Yourself in our lives. Amen.

2024-11-17 The Gospel At Work: Being Vocational Missionaries

Title: The Gospel at Work: Being Vocational Missionaries

Have you ever felt like your work is just a fog you’re navigating through, unsure of where you’re headed or why you’re even doing it? You’re not alone. Many of us find ourselves on autopilot, cruising through our daily tasks without a clear sense of purpose. But what if your work could be more than just a job? What if it could be a mission field, a place where you live out your faith and make a real impact?

In a recent sermon, we explored how the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, challenges us to view our work through God’s eyes. Paul’s message is clear: work is not just a means to an end; it’s a calling, a vocation that God has given us to fulfill His purposes. Let’s dive into how we can transform our work into a mission that glorifies God and blesses others.

Understanding Work as a Calling

Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 remind us that work is a fundamental part of our Christian life. He warns against idleness and encourages believers to work diligently, not just for personal gain but as a testimony to the gospel. This perspective shifts our understanding of work from a mundane task to a divine calling.

God Himself is a working God, as seen in Genesis 2:1-3, where He creates and then rests. We are created in His image, designed to work and steward His creation. Our work, whether as teachers, engineers, or stay-at-home parents, is a reflection of God’s work in the world. It’s an opportunity to bring about human flourishing and to serve others.

Living Out Your Faith at Work

So, how do we take our faith to work? It starts with understanding that our vocation is a primary space for our sanctification. In our jobs, we learn discipline, responsibility, and generosity. We are called to work quietly, provide for ourselves, and not grow weary in doing good (2 Thessalonians 3:12-13).

This means being intentional about how we conduct ourselves at work. Are we known for our integrity, kindness, and diligence? Do we see our workplace as a mission field where we can share the love of Christ through our actions and words? By aligning our work with God’s mission, we become vocational missionaries, using our skills and talents to further His kingdom.

Finding Purpose and Rhythm

In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance can feel like chasing unicorns. Instead, we should seek rhythm in our work and rest. God instituted the Sabbath as a time for rest and reflection, reminding us that our worth is not tied to our productivity. By cultivating healthy rhythms, we can avoid burnout and find joy in our work.

Moreover, our work should teach us responsibility and generosity. As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:8, providing for our families is a fundamental aspect of our faith. But beyond that, we are called to be generous, using our resources to bless others and support the work of the church.

Conclusion

The point is, your work matters to God. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling to be a light in the world. So, what will you do this week to take your faith to work? How can you be a vocational missionary in your workplace, living out the gospel in tangible ways?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of work and the opportunity to serve You through our vocations. Help us to see our jobs as a calling and a mission field. Give us the strength to work diligently, the wisdom to find rhythm in our lives, and the courage to be a light in our workplaces. May our work glorify You and bless those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.