We have all learned by now to expect the unexpected. But the bigger question is the unexpected that will come out of the unexpected.
When something comes out of the blue and disrupts life, it has two main effects. The first is the immediate disruption. The second is the change that flows from that disruption.
For instance, I may have a car accident which destroys my vehicle and leaves me looking for alternatives. As a result I buy a second-hand vehicle as my insurance payout isn’t enough for a new one. A year later the transmission goes on the vehicle I bought, and I wind up in such debt I have to buy a bike to get to work. Somebody hits me on my bike and I wind up with a permanent disability.
I’ll stop before it gets any worse! But you get the point.
From a geopolitical perspective, the current crisis will have all sorts of unpredictable consequences. Air fares may rise, the housing market may fall, relations between the west and China may deteriorate.
My confidence in all the things I can’t control is that God is in charge. But what about the things he is speaking to me about? Or to my church?
One of the most applicable Bible verses right now for each of us is this: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
I believe that now, more than ever, we need to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to us. Is this a time of divine disruption which will force us to change things we never would have considered changing?
Every survey done thus far shows a massive interest in online church services, ranging from 50% in the USA to 400% in the UK. What are we to do in response to this? Is it possible God is orchestrating events to bring about change we would never have opted for? Do we have nets ready for the catch, or will our nets break? The Gospels suggest an encounter with the risen Christ makes all the difference to that question.
Personally, I love routine and I hate change. But I am learning to yield to the change God wants.
It’s amazing how much stuff we do in church that is sanctioned more by custom and tradition than by Biblical principle.
Anything not clearly set forth by Biblical principle is up for grabs when the Holy Spirit begins to move.
This present season could lead into a time of harvest unlike anything we have seen in many decades. But only if we change what needs changing in order to get ready for what’s coming.
Revival is what we all pray for. But beware — revival will change what the church looks like. Are you ready for that?
Church may never be the same — and that may not be a bad thing.
CONSIDER PARTNERING WITH DAVID & ELAINE CAMPBELL IN HELPING TO SUSTAIN THEIR ACTIVE MINISTRY.
AWAKENING MINISTRIES // FOUNDATION of FAITH Project
Foundation of Faith Project is strengthening generations in faith and bringing beautiful changes to the communities around them. Through teaching, mentoring and coaching, many are finding out who they are and who they are destined to be. They are bringing more to their world. David Campbell is the key leader in this initiative and you can support him financially directly through Awakening Ministries.
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