"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)
The excitement levels were high across the board at Forum this year! There is lots to be excited about - most of all our amazing God who works in people's lives and who shines light into our dark hearts! There is the brilliant 'Uncover' project to be excited about - the challenge to read the bible with people who want to explore Christianity, a chance for them to examine the evidence and meet Jesus for themselves - http://www.uccf.org.uk/uncover/
Lots of stuff flying through everyone's heads as we come back to reality - so much to do, such a massive mission field, such a small mission-team....
It would be easy to lose heart.
I confess I HAVE lost heart too many times.
And yet to lose heart in a mission involving such an amazing God and a wonderful message is surely to miss the point!?
We are 'hard pressed on every side, but not crushed'. The truth is that this is not our mission, and it is not our message. It is God who shines the light into our hearts and opens our eyes see who He is. It is God who has already won the ultimate victory! It is good that we are weak, because that is how people see that God is strong! If we make it about us then we will be crushed. If we look to Him for strength and identity, perhaps we will still feel overwhelmed, but we will know that all is not lost. It does not all rest on us.
Overwhelmed...but on the winning side!
I still feel discouraged, because I am broken, but I am thankful that God is big enough to cope with my frail emotions. Take heart Alison.
