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It was one of the most humbling and inspiring moments ever for me and for many others. It was Sunday, October 29, and the total amount pledged to the Tell the Wonders He Has Done ministry expansion campaign was announced. When the total at that point, $14.3 million, was announced, there was an overwhelming outburst of joy and thanksgiving. Since then, many additional commitments have been received, and our new total committed is now $14,409,912. Incredible!
There is a temptation for us to relax and think that all has been accomplished. Yet, there is much ahead of us in the coming two years, assuming we vote on December 17 to build new facilities. There will be many changes needed to our routines, in both church and school, over the next few years.
This is a very attractive environment for Satan to exploit. In my August 26–27 sermon during the “kickoff weekend” for the ministry expansion campaign, I said that Satan will try to divide us and distract us as we move forward with these plans. He does not want to see this ministry expansion campaign succeed. Rest assured that he has not relaxed in his efforts to create conflict and dissension in our midst.
In Ephesians 6:11, Paul encourages us to “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Jesus refers to Satan as the one who “does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). We can expect him to employ many “schemes” and present many “lies” in our faith community over the next two years. He isn’t done with us!
I encourage all of us to be in the Word and in prayer and to be receiving the Lord’s Supper as frequently as possible in the coming months. I encourage all of us not to think of our own needs first, but the needs of those around us. I encourage all of us to remember that the changes that will occur in the coming months are only temporary, not permanent, and will lead to an amazing new environment for God’s work in our midst!
Just as Satan is not done with us, thankfully, our gracious God is not done with us either! He promises never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). And so we pray with the hymnwriter:
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