Ridgell's Originals

 I am reading in Numbers these days and I really been struck by something.  The Passover, the Exodus, the incredible feeling of God's deliverance.  Followed by complaining.  Some even looking back at their time in Egypt and thinking it was good.  Aaron and Miriam getting jealous of Moses.  They too had done much for God and His people.  But not getting proper recognition.  Even when they get to the promised land, ten out of 12 leaders insist they cannot take the land God has promised them.

Some things never change.

Excitement in church after a retreat or revival.  Several baptisms.  A new preacher.  Everyone is excited and invovled.  Till the excitement wears off.  Then you are into the every day struggle.  Just like the people of God coming out of Egypt.

Some will complain.  Crowded out of their seats.  Youth program no longer catering to the member's kids.  The new people are needy.  Their kids don't act we think they should.  Maybe it was better in the old days.

Jealousy among the key leaders.  One person getting credit when you are sure you have worked just as hard, been just as faithful.  Resentment.

Fear among the leadership in general.  Let's just slow up a minute.  Take a look at the budget.  Do we really know where this will end up?  Where is the plan?

I am convinced God uses pivotal moments to move his people.  The Exodus.  Pentecost.  Revivals.  It still happens today.

But the hard work and the growth of the Kingdom happen after the initial excitement wears off.  The every day work of growing new disciples.  The realization that you are in a marathon not a sprint.

But God works.

I love the exciting, emotional moments.  I have been in many of them.  They are essential for real growth.

But the hard work comes after. It always does.

Because Satan wants to stop us.  Because it is hard.  

So just be aware.

Don't let what God is doing die because of it.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM