Persevere in the Tough Moments

On February 15, 1493, Christopher Columbus wrote this: "Praise be to our eternal God, our Lord, who gives to all those who walk in His ways victory over all things which seem impossible."

Columbus wrote these words while on his return trip from the discovery of America. The words were penned to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand and reveals a very interesting foundational point about America...in tough times, we persevere.

Columbus and the early settlers were able to persevere only because of their faith in Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:9 even bears this fact when it says, "no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." Columbus I'm sure envisioned a land full of resources and beautiful landscapes. However I'm not sure he dreamed about how powerful America would one day become. But the point for Columbus is that God grants us victory over those "mountains" in our lives

God has great things in store for us. But do you truly love Him? Are you walking in His way? It's impossible to experience all of what God wants to give us if we are (dare I say it) sinning. Sin chains us down but more importantly it separates us from a Holy God. I'm not saying that Columbus was perfect, nor would I even remotely suggest that. The point is that Columbus was part of the foundation for America which is closely connected to living biblical principles. Least we not forget that it is God that gave Columbus the victory by finding land--and it is God that gives us the victory today over those things that would otherwise imprison us.

At our church plant we are building a foundation. What I have discovered is that very few people want to do such a thing. Let me be honest...neither did I. But the issue is not what we want but rather what God calls us to do. And make no mistake about it, God does not send mixed messages but rather gives clear direction. Building a foundation for a new church can seem impossible. So when I read words like those uttered by Columbus or when I read 1 Corinthians 2:9, God gives me hope. I'm excited about the future of Foothills Baptist Church because I know that God has won our victory. It may not look right on paper or seem as if we are never going to fill the chairs, but I know that God is going to accomplish His purposes through our church. In the meantime we have to persevere and as Scripture says, "love Him." Our foundation is all about the Gospel. Loving people by showing God's love in a practical way. It's not about building programs and boasting about budgets and salaries...it's about letting people know that God loves them. Persevere according to the Word.