The Story of Our Launch
…And How It Ties Into Your Story
For the past four years, Gina and I have been seeking to build God’s kingdom here in Cambridge, Mass. It’s been a tough road with lots of curves and bumps, but in the end I wouldn’t take it back. It’s solidified who I am as a person. God has guided me through the process of maturing and growing into more of the person He wants me to be. I have learned to walk at a new level of faith in Him and learned more about the sovereignty of God.
Now our team is doing something bold and audacious for God. On September 28, 2014 the church we have had the privilege to start and pastor will be formally launching. We are calling it our Welcome Home Campaign. What is a launch? It’s a focused and concerted effort to reach a targeted group of people in an impacting way. We believe it’s time to shout it from the rooftops who Jesus is and tell people we are here for our city. We will “go and show” (as we have been) and invite people to “come and see” because we really believe we have something to offer and that our city wouldn’t be the same without us.
So how does it tie into your story? At the end of the day, we all have a story to live.
What is your story? Maybe you’ve had a difficult time making sense of it all. Maybe you are having a hard time finding your story or seeing how it all fits together? If you can’t find your place in His story, keep seeking Him. He’s not trying to hide it from you.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
If your story is difficult and you can’t see how it all fits together, here are some keys that have helped us navigate these difficult and sometimes confusing years. They aren’t necessarily a list of do’s but some things to help you keep the right perspective when things get tough.
Jesus is worth it
Never forget the reason why you are doing it. Jesus is worth it. It’s all about Him. He is worth every bit of pain and perceived sacrifice that you offer Him. God gave us the best He had to offer, His one and only Son, and He will not withhold anything from us, His children.
Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? (Romans 8:32 NLT)
He is in control
The longer I walk with Jesus the more I realize how little control I have over things. The only thing really control is my response. How will I respond to what’s happening around me? Will I become disillusioned, bitter or angry? Or will I respond in faith and trust believing that He is in control. Only one of us can be in control, may I suggest you let it be God?
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NKJV)
We Walk By Faith Not By Sight
We can faint from fear and shrink back because of the obstacles in our way or we can look at every obstacle as an opportunity. In order to see from God’s perspective, we just have to ask Him. Ask Him for the wisdom to know what He is trying to do inside of you. I find if I know what He is trying to do inside of me, it helps me to understand the reason for the storm. For me, worship helps to lift my head above the ceiling of clouds to see Jesus clearly, and when I look in His eyes, I know everything will be OK.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your* life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. (Colossians 3:1-4 NLT)
Hold On To The Promises He Gives You
When God speaks, hold onto it for dear life! The word of God is your anchor. When things get difficult, His unchanging words and promises are your stability. Whether that is a scripture He gives to you in a specific season, or a word He has spoken to your heart, hold onto it! If He said it, it will come to pass. When things look dark, go back and feed upon those words and let them encourage your soul.
Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. (1 Timothy 1:18-19 NLT)
Never, Ever Give Up!
One day I was walking through Harvard Square complaining to the Lord about the difficulty of planting a church here. When I was done with my rant, I said, “You know Lord, most people would have quit by now!” I immediately heard Him whisper back to me, “That’s why I chose you Kent, because I knew you wouldn’t!”
Quitting is easy. Persevering is hard. Lets remember God’s promise to us:
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 ESV)
If you are having difficulty finding your story in His, take some time with Him, ask for wisdom and perspective and let Jesus encourage you.
How about you? What are some things you’ve found that help you when things get tough? I would love to hear your story!
