Breaking Out

A little over two years ago a season of testing for us at Community Baptist began. The details are not that important now. What is significant is what I have learned and what God is doing in our midst and where God is leading us in a new year.
First, the testing has deepened our fellowship and communion with one another. We have learned to depend on one another. We have learned to listen to one another. We have learned to truly care for one another. The hurt was deep, but the salve of fellowship has been all the sweeter.
Second, we have learned to pray. God is still teaching us to pray- not just for the physical needs, but for Kingdom needs. Our prayer ministry is being transformed into an active and significant ministry that is impacting people all over the world.
Third, we have intentionally started to place our selves in Kingdom ministry. Many of our folks are involved in ministries that take them out of their comfort zones and into places that churches have ignored or been too frightened to go!
Fourth, God has shown us that He will provide. Though we could always use more money, we have been blessed to enjoy a sufficient supply. Our mission offerings this year- Easter- for North American Mission Board; Fall- for the Northwest Baptist Convention; - Christmas for the International Mission Board together have totaled $2073.00.
So, why do I believe that 2009 will be a breakout year? I was reminded last night in some reading of God's ways. When Joseph ended up in Egypt God blessed him. Then Potiphar's wife sought to seduce him and failed, lied about what happened and Joseph ended up in prison. During that time he was faithful to all God gave him to do. During those years he knew God's blessing, but he also knew God had better things for him.
Finally, God set him free from prison to a place of power and abundance. He still had struggles, he still had difficulty, but what his brothers meant for evil and what Potiphar's wife meant for his destruction was all for the purpose of glorifying God.
May we learn to see that all that has occurred- though painful and frustrating at the time- is that God may receive the glory. I believe that 2009 can be a break out year because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What He was able to do through one man who was totally yielded to Him in Joseph's life, He can do with a community of beleivers here in Winston!
Join me in seeking God's direction for a breakout year in 2009!