Happy New Year!
On Sunday, we talked about the power of defining moments in our lives. We have all experienced those moments that mark and shape us. I remember my wedding day when Cassidy and I exchanged vows and she said “yes!” to marrying me! She has encouraged me more than I can even explain. She is an amazing wife, mother, friend and leader for Christ. I remember the moment when I asked Jesus into my life. That moment forever changed me! I remember when we began the process of starting the North Campus in 2016. As I look back, God has been incredibly faithful!
Since Chets Creek North launched on January 29, 2017:
- 77 people baptized
- 270-300 people attend on average during the Fall/Winter
- Started 7 Adult Life Groups/Bible Studies
- We exceeded our budget in 2018 because of people’s generosity!
- 70+ people volunteer on serve teams weekly
All glory to God for how He is working! And now as we turn the page to 2019, I believe the best is yet to come!
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
In Isaiah 6, we see a defining moment in the life of Isaiah.
HOW TO EXPERIENCE TRANSFORMATION IN 2019:
1. God does not waste our pain
It was in the year King Uzziah died… Isaiah 6:1
The year that King Uzziah died was a defining moment. As Uzziah’s reign came to an end, many wondered what the future would hold. They were experiencing a time of peace and prosperity. Like Isaiah felt after Uzziah died, your situation might seem difficult and painful. Every struggle we face in this life, know that Jesus hasn’t left His throne. God will not waste your pain or struggle!
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. ”
“God does not waste an ounce of our pain or a drop of our tears; suffering doesn’t come our way for no reason, and He seems efficient at using what we endure to mold character. If we are malleable, He takes our bumps and bruises and shapes them into something beautiful.”
2. See God for who He is
Isaiah is dealing with the loss of His friend and now he is ushered into a vision of seeing God in the throne room of Heaven:
“…that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” 4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.”
God is holy. He is beyond the beyond. He’s above the above! We can’t compartmentalize or control Him. Isaiah was faced with the power and perfection of God. He saw Himself in comparison and it led him to change..
3. See your need and receive transformation
Notice how Isaiah responds the vision of God seated on His heavenly throne:
Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.” Isaiah 6:5-7
Real change can only happen when we stop comparing ourselves to others and instead look to Jesus!
4. Be fully available
“Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, Here I am. Send me.”
It was only after forgiveness that Isaiah was ready to hear the voice of God and respond. Isaiah didn’t hear a job description with detailed plans, He just said, “I volunteer, I’ll go!”
This is God’s calling for us…
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Never underestimate what Jesus can do with willing people! God is doing something in you so that He can do something through you.
How available are you? Are you fully available to God?