Faith in the Face of the Unexpected

I actually had some rather pithy thoughts I wanted to share today -- stuff that I only touched on in yesterday's message. But this morning the day sort of went kabloowie. (Is that a word? Well, it is now!)

Dr. Angelo, the principal at Auburn Middle School, called to tell me that the school will no longer be available to Hope Christian Fellowship after April 13. They've experienced a shortage of custodial staffing, so they're cutting back on offering us the facility for rent. He assured me that this is a friendly parting, and offered to provide a recommendation as we seek new meeting space.

A lot of thoughts ran through my mind. I wish we had more than a month... perhaps until the end of the school year or something. Starting at a new facility on April 20 is going to be a real challenge because I'll be joining all of our Elder Team and our two Worship leaders a retreat that weekend. Money is still pretty tight at the church as we're stretching ourselves in a lot of new ways.

But one thing that did NOT run through my mind was fear. It was really pretty cool. I just have this complete confidence that God has something new and exciting in store for us, and this transition is just part of the journey. It surely will stretch us, test our faith, and provide a magnificent opportunity for God to show what he can accomplish.

All day long I've been getting phone calls and e-mails with ideas and leads, encouragement and prayers. I've honestly never seen such an incredible response of optimism and faith in a church family! I'm constantly amazed at Hope. Just yesterday our small group was talking about what a very special thing God has going here, and it just continues to be true.

Praying. Dreaming. Investigating. Knocking on every door. And watching to see the miracle revealed.

-- Scott