Discerning God's New Thing

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. (Acts 11:19 NIV)

The building of the Christian Church begins with the apostles Preaching to the Jews. It was their belief that they were to change the Jewish faith from the inside out. They suffered far more than just a few slammed doors. They were pretty much run out of town after Stephen was stoned. And they weren't having much success preaching to Jews in the places to which they were scattered.

Oddly enough, though, some of them began preaching to the Greeks and other Gentiles... And they were winning people over right and left. New churches began popping up all over the place. God was doing a new thing! Once they realized this and restructured their ministry, they were unstoppable... Even in the face of persecution.

When is the last time you took a good look at the ministry(ies) you have been called to? Are you still getting good results, or is God trying to tell you to restructure... Or maybe even to move on to something new?

Often when our churches are enjoying strong growth and involvement, we know we have found God's direction. But when, a few years down the road things change, we keep trying to revive the old ministries with the old success and we only find disappointment. Even then, we keep trying, because if God led us there once, he will lead us there again, right?

Not necessarily. Maybe God has something new in mind. But if we keep insisting on beating that dead horse, we will never figure it out.

It can be hard to tell if we need to move on, because success isn't always about numbers. But there are signs:

Does God continue to raise up leaders for this ministry, or is it a struggle to find someone who reluctantly agrees to lead?

Are people still excited about the ministry, or are they just going through the motions?

What does God say? Have you been listening?

It might be time to find that new direction God has been trying to get you to see.

Father,
Give us the spirit of discernment that we may follow the new paths you have laid out for our churches, our ministries and our lives. Amen.

Joys: seeing Donna feeling so good; looking forte ward to book club and time with friends tonight; beautiful weather in January