Thank God that he is never apathetic or pessimistic about resources. In fact the good news of the bible is that God has not only given us His best in Jesus Christ, but has done so in such a way that all heaven (and earths') resources are under the control of the risen Christ. God does not give up!!!... even on you and me. He promises us that although we are far from the people we want to be, and should be, that if our trust is in him, one day the Job will be complete, and we will be like Christ in his character. Paul confidently puts it this way in Philippians...
"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
There are times at the beginning of every new year when my optimism is hit with a dose of reality...
1) I know that there are still many. many things God still needs to work on in my life.
2) I watch the news and see the world we live in is very broken, both in human relationships and geologically.
3) I look at the size of transition house and wonder if it is ever going to be finished.
So where is our confidence at the beginning of 2017?
It is summed up in these amazing words of 2 Cor 9:8
"And God is able to bless you abundantly,
so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
I am confident that we will see transition house finished and God-willing be full of up to 60 young people, who experience the love of Jesus Christ. The reason I believe this vision will become a reality is that God himself has driven this project with his own heart and people for a broken world. The whole of heaven is rooting for this project to succeed and for the Glory to go to Jesus Christ who is in the business of change for the better.
Make no mistake, the seasonal dose of reality tells me there is still a huge amount to do... A basement that in some measure is still less than a bare shell, kitchens that still need white goods and fixtures, communal rooms which need chairs (and lights, light switches and blinds / curtains etc. etc.) ...But I believe with all my heart that God has all the resources available to see the Job done, and will supply our need. This has been the story all along the way so far, and I'm in no position to doubt the consistency of a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Therefore 2017 may well indeed be the most exciting year yet for Transition House. Could this year be when we see a whole load of young people move in, and see their lives changed for the better? I think so. The context of 2 Cor 9:8 is that God has given his son, and therefore our hope is in the resources of God, showered on us in Christ. Our right response therefore is to respond with all we've got. I'm so excited about doing this...
- 1) Because we have a God of overwhelming generosity.
- 2) Because we have the only hope for our broken world in 2017, the good news of Jesus Christ. (All other suggestions have not made this world a better place... if this is heaven ... I want something better.)
- 3) Because God is rooting for us to live in such a way that will bring Him Glory.
- 4) Because God has no shortage of power or recourse to make all this happen.
So in 2017 we look to God in eager optimism, and trusting faith. We believe...I hope you do too. Whatever you are doing for God, do it with all your heart and give everything to the one who makes life worth living, and gives life to the full (John 10:10). He can do way more than we can think or imagine, so pray big prayers and attempt big things for God, knowing that the whole of heaven is behind you.
Happy new year to all the team and our increasingly wonderful supporters who pray and give. We see you as a wonderful gift from heaven because you are.
We are looking to get as many folks and materials out in spring.
Come with us! Go on!
