It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when I think about the 342 clusters of churches in 43 countries that look to us as their partner. Who are we that we have the honor of serving them as they train and send out their workers to hard, least-reached places?
My heart was stirred deeply as I signed hundreds of thank you letters for contributions at the end of our fiscal year. Who are we that God has brought so many of you as partners to join hands with us in this work?
But, this all comes into perspective as I pray, read and mediate on God’s Word. This morning, sitting on our little patio as the sun rises I am reminded again, this time through Apostle Paul.
“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers … For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (I Cor. 3:7-9, 11)
None of us deserve all we have received. The joy of life in Christ, now and forever, is simply a gift! The delight of seeing things grow – trees and flowers, children and friendships, disciples and leaders, businesses and ministries, and the Body of Christ around the world – is a gift.
What a privilege to be stewards of whatever gifts and responsibilities God has entrusted to us. There are no attitudes of entitlement when we live with this perspective – just simple gratitude.
Thanks, Galen. Be blessed!
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