OUR ASSIGNMENT
Beloved congregation, as we gather in this sacred space today, let's delve deep into a universal truth about our journeys in life and faith. If you have ever dared to dream, to aim high, to envision a brighter and more purposeful future, know this: the path to greatness is seldom smooth.
It is written in the fabric of our existence that, "If you're going to do anything great in life, there will be opposition, setbacks, delays, and critics." Why? Because greatness challenges the status quo. It pushes boundaries and it defies the expectations of the world. The greater your dreams, the larger the challenges you're bound to face.
But let's ponder upon why God would allow such obstacles in our way. Could it be that these challenges, rather than being mere barriers, are tools for refining us? Tools to build our resilience, to grow our faith, and to deepen our reliance on Him? Could it be that every setback is a setup for a greater comeback, under the watchful eyes of our Maker?
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5:3-4, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." It is through our trials that our faith is tested, and it is through these tests that we emerge stronger, more rooted in God's promises.
When the opposition seems insurmountable, when delays test your patience, when critics try to drown your spirit, remember that you are not walking this path alone. God is by your side, guiding, guarding, and granting you the strength to persevere. Your dreams, especially when aligned with God's will, carry with them the divine backing of the Creator Himself.
In closing, I implore you not to shy away from challenges but to embrace them. Let them not deter you but spur you on. Let them not weaken your spirit but strengthen your resolve. With God as your anchor, no challenge is too great, no dream unattainable. Push forward in faith, knowing that with God, all things are possible.
In Christ's love and strength, press on.
Amen.
Pastor James Blake