Amazing isn’t it? Sometimes I think that God only chooses to work in the USA. The great United States of America. Believe me, I am as proud to be an American as you are. (as long as you are reading this here in the US.) So don’t try and hang me as someone who doesn’t love this country, or is thinking of moving to Costa Rica simply because Obama has been elected for office, or because Palin is banished back to Alaska. Ah well… But seriously, I was reading through several blogs this morning, and came across Craig Groeschel’s blog where he was writing about his recent trip to Ecuador. He posted a few pictures in order to recap the trip. I was mostly interested in the picture of Craig with the local pastor. Go here and check it out.
Here’s what I want to get at. Why is it that I was surprised to learn that 85% of this pastors village has a relationship with Christ? Why is it that I was surprised to learn that this man ministers to somewhere in the vicinity of 1200 people a week! That is absolutely incredible. In Ecuador none the less!!! The stats- incredible; my surprise- disgusting.
Why am I surprised that there can be a mega church in a poorer country? Do I think that Jesus came to seek and save the rich?
Why am I surprised that a pastor can be incredibly successful yet wildly under resourced? Do I think that Jesus was born in a premier neonatal unit? Do I think that Jesus had powerpoint, motion backgrounds, and clever video illustrations to help present his message?
Why am I surprised that God chooses to do huge things else where? Did I misunderstand the whole bit about being for all people?
No. Clearly No. NO! Without a doubt NO. Then why does it surprise me…
It is so easy to become so disillusioned to think that Jesus can and will only work through your own church. Do you ever find yourself praying for a nearby church? Not that often I imagine. What about the church down the street, or the youth group just around the corner? Do we have such ministry lust that we can’t see past our own actions and efforts to really see what God is doing?Are we so blind that we don’t/can’t see what God is doing globally?
My desire is to be pleasing to God. I want to be used by Him. I want our youth group to be used by God to make a difference in this world. I want our church to be so with it that it draws those outside of a relationship with Christ to it. Yet I know that it is up to God wether our church and youth ministry stay the size it is, or if it is to grow exponentially. It all rests on His sovereignty.
So, here is today’s question. Do you fall into the trap of thinking that God wants to only work in your church? What do you think about all this? Am I all alone on this one?
~Peter
1 Comment
I dont think you are alone. For me it is tough to be in ferverant prayer for other churches and youth groups when we are looking and serving at one in particular. satan not only wants to isolate our individual thinking, but I believe he expands this to include churches. If he can allow a church to be consumed with its own actions, they will be less likely to pray, be apart of other churches. I think as we draw closer to God, He widens our perspectives to see the World as a whole, like the church in Ecuador. Only then do I see the big picture which includes the few pixels I am a part of, as well as the rest of the scene. Also I never thought I would see “ministry and lust” put together, but I get the point. Thanks for your thoughts… Merry Christmas, I will see you next week.