The Lord will provide — then and now

We live in a nation that has gone through a major transformation over the last 24 months.

With that being said, though the message of the gospel remains the same, the Church must lead change in our communities.

The Church as a whole must be transformational. If we are to be transformational, we must have a strategic plan in how we are to serve our communities and bring the message of the gospel. Notice clearly that our message along with our strategy is one that brings transformation and healthy change. We are not talking about compromise where we look more like the world.

In order for the church to be leaders of change, bringing growth and prosperity to our communities, we as Christ’s Church must live in the battlefield of vision. What is meant by that is we must have a seat at the table with the problem solvers. I am not talking about political position, I am talking about a voice that speaks compassion, grace, peace, and hope.

We don’t just say everything is going to be alright, or God is in control. If we are led by the Lord Jesus Christ, they will see Jesus in what we do and the community will know that God is in control.

In order to do this, the Church leaders must pray for the Lord to give them three people to run with who are world changers. World Changers don’t just talk about change. World Changers see a challenge and they do their best to change it. World Changers do not see a monetary gain as their number one priority. They see a problem and choose to work diligently to fix it. World changers live on the battlefield of vision.

Ideas just ooze out of their pores. They are always thinking, and always asking questions. They can’t help it! Vision is hardwired into the DNA of a World Changer. Excuses are not tolerated.

Change is apparent because the Gospel changes us. The good news will always bring transformation and transformation will always be at the center of progress. Mother Teresa was a woman of humility. However, she was not weak. Mother Teresa always chose the most difficult task to accomplish. Choosing the most difficult task was one of her personal core values.

A church that is leading change in their community will lead with Intentionality. We, the churches, are the salt and light of the community. It is a responsibility.

We do not choose to be salt and light. We become salt and light when Christ lives in us and in Christ, we can do all things. A Church that leads change sees things others do not see. We see potential.

Genesis 22:4-5; Abraham clearly saw something that no one else saw. On the third day, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He saw the “place.” He at this time did not know what “the place” would reveal. For now, it was a place of obedience and faith. He told his servants to stay put. He was going with Isaac over to “the place” to worship and then both of them will come back to his servants.

He is speaking this in faith of course because at this time he thinks Isaac is supposed to be the sacrifice. Isaac is carrying the wood, Abraham is carrying the fire and the knife. Isaac catches on very quickly! “Um, Dad?” “You have the fire and I am carrying the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

There is a point where faith and obedience run smack dab into hope, way before what we are hoping becomes reality.

It is Hebrews 11:1 coming to life and for Abraham, it is one statement of faith found in verse 8 of Genesis 22; “God himself will provide a lamb for the burnt offering my son.”

That is what exactly happened. God provided a ram in the thicket. Abraham sacrificed the ram on the third day and we see this incredible foreshadow of what Jesus has done for us. Abraham named “the place” - “The Lord will provide.”

We cannot resist change, it will happen. More now than ever before, our communities need the church to rise up and be the church. May we be a joyful, trustworthy voice that reminds our communities that the Lord will provide and there is hope on the horizon.