I often speak about how good it is to see God at work and on the move in our church, to see our numbers growing week by week, and to have people asking for baptism and church membership. These are indeed things to be thankful for: we shall continue celebrating them and giving God the glory for these and for every other sign of His growing kingdom.
But I do recognise that some of us might find all of this a touch uncomfortable. Maybe things feel as though they're moving too fast. Maybe some feel a little remote from these signs of growth, or even that they are in danger of being left behind. Maybe your faith is feeling a little bit precarious because church doesn't look like it used to. Maybe circumstances of life have dealt you a hard blow in recent years and you are wondering where God is in it all. Maybe failing health, old age, family circumstances or work, or even the evolving nature of how we do things means it can be hard for you to engage with church in the way you'd like to. If you identify with any of those emotions, that's ok.
It can sometimes feel very hard to voice our concerns when those around us are full of enthusiasm. It can be very easy to take a step back, hide away in the shadows, let our doubts take hold and, if we're honest, lose at least some of our faith. But these are often the very times when we should turn to God and to each other. Maybe they are opportunities rather than uncomfortable challenges.
Let me use the analogy of a torch. When a torch begins to grow dim or stops working, do you throw it away? Of course not - you try and fix it! When we see others who find themselves in dark places should we sit by and do nothing? Of course not - we try to help and - as with the torch - we might need to help them change their batteries! Just as different torches need different batteries, different people need different kinds of help. Some need AA - attention and affection. Some need AAA - attention, affection and acceptance. Some need C - compassion. Some need D - direction. Maybe they need a combination of those. Others are rechargeable and just need help plugging in again. And if it takes a while for them to shine brightly again, don't walk away: find time to sit quietly and share your light with them.
There are of course many scriptures which talk of God wanting to encourage and sustain us in tough times. Here's an example:
Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
But where possible we should join in with God's work, and so as we journey through this season together - when our fabulous church continues to grow, but faces challenges too - do please do some strengthening and sustaining of your own: check in on each other, and remain keen to shine your light into dark places.
“In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others” - Philippians 2:3-4
I am always happy to come and have a chat if you need it, as are the pastoral leaders or the deacons. Please reach out if you need to. Let's see God's light shine brightly, ensure your light is working properly as well, and let's be amazed as we watch His Kingdom grow.
Nigel