More or better methods?

We live in difficult days, uncertain days. It has been a difficult year for our country. It has been a difficult year for our church, and the future may seem uncertain. Why do difficult days come? How should we, the people of God, respond? What should we do?

Brothers and sisters, why do difficult days come? The answer is clear in Scripture but so often cloudy in our lives. It is easy enough for our brains to comprehend, but most difficult for our hearts to take a hold of. Various trials come “so that the proof of your faith, [being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire,] may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” I Peter 1:7 Faith, our most valuable asset, increases when God blesses us with adversity. This is why James, inspired by the Holy Spirit, so confidently and graciously reminds us to “consider it all [pure] joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2

Brothers and sisters, how should we respond? At this point I will be brief. When the ground beneath your feet begins to shake, hit your knees. When the going gets tough pray! John Bunyon, that hero of the faith who wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress from his prison cell, also wrote these wise words, “You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.”

Brothers and sisters, what should we do when uncertain days come? Should we search for more or better programs? Should we adjust our Worship style? Should we change our schedule? Should we target a certain segment of the West Hallsville / South Longview population? Should we? Should we? Should we? When life is uncertain we should run to the Rock that is higher than ourselves, the One who is certain to see us through. We don’t need more or better methods or programs. No, what we need is God. E.M. Bounds once said, “Man is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. Man is God’s method.”

Brothers and sisters do not be afraid, pray, seek God and ask Him to increase your faith.