Just got back from the Leadership Summit. The last message of the day was by Stephen Furtick of Elevation Church. GREAT message on 'digging ditches' out of 2 Kings 3.
Here is what stuck to me: Elisha told the king to prepare for a flood by digging ditches. God WAS going to move, bring the floods, but first, they had to prepare in faith. The faith move was to dig the ditches in preparation for what the word of the LORD said was yet to come.
God always works this way. Think about Noah. God says 'build an ark' while it is sunny outside. Its going to rain...and rain...and rain. People thought he was out of his mind. The list goes on. If you want to see a few more 'ditch builders', read Hebrews 11, the 'faith chapter'.
See, the Bible says this about faith: "Faith is the confident assurance of things we hope will happen, the evidence of things we can't see...yet." (Heb 11:1)
In other words, you step out and do something, HOPING God is going to show up. You arent sure. With faith, if you are hoping for certainty, you are going to be waiting a long time. You step out and hope....your heart goes to your throat, you are tortured by thoughts of 'what if this doesnt work'?? You hope God will move. But you are 'out there', committed.
Your faith has been shown by the tangible act of stepping out and DOING something.
Like building a ditch.
Let me bring it home. When Deb and I stepped out to start this church, we felt pretty sure God had spoken to us, but not certain. But we took the step. We built a ditch. God filled it.
But I had many a sleepless nights with nightmares of preaching to empty rooms, of looking out the windows and no one showing up after we committed and 'built the ditch'.
What ditches is God calling you to dig right now? Seriously, take some time to think about it. Trust me: You will be in the same exact place next year if you havent dug some ditches for God to fill by faith. I know I am 'meddlin', but that's what us pastors do! :)
Love you guys!
PB
So true Bobby. God always asks us to dig the ditch...very unimpressive and insane during a drought but it's all about him and his grace. May he get the glory every single time the rain comes!
Posted by: Jim Mather | August 16, 2011 at 02:46 PM
Bobby,
I love you! You are such a good pastor! You always unashamedly preach the true and pure gospel and I love that about you! Thank you for always being there for me giving me advice and just listening to me. you rock! I hope to be the same for the youth along side Adam in this next season of their lives. Thank you, and I will see you tomorrow at noon at the Annex!
Posted by: Bryan Sexton | August 16, 2011 at 09:32 AM
We went to Elevation Church several weeks ago and heard him speak. (Very Impressive) and we're excited that they are opening a site closer to our new home in September....reminded us of your angry preacher mode....almost! You were better! You know we love you keeping it real!
Posted by: Julie G Royer | August 12, 2011 at 05:48 AM
love it trying to make a decision to get a shot in my back to help it. this tells me I should do it and GOD will be there thank you bobby. GOD bless you bro.
Posted by: jim lafleur | August 11, 2011 at 10:35 PM
PB,
This is exactly what I need to hear right now. I'm just about to make a big decision about my final year of school. I'm taking a step in faith, and I'm hoping God shows up.
Standing on Romans 8:25.
Grace,
Josh E.
Posted by: Josh E. | August 11, 2011 at 08:51 PM
Fantastic thoughts today PB!
Posted by: Vicky | August 11, 2011 at 08:11 PM