Everything is possible for him who believes. ~ Mark 9:23
READING: Philippians 4:10-20
As a child, when my mother read to me, the book I liked most was The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper. In the story, a long train filled with circus animals, toys and clowns must be pulled over a high and steep mountain. But it can find no engine to pull it.
All the big locomotives refuse, but finally a little engine takes on the challenge. As it pulls with all its might, the engine repeats, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” Though it barely makes it, the small-fry succeeds and on the way down the mountain repeats, “I thought I could, I thought I could.”
I loved that fairy tale book. But what I love today is the fact that the Lord gives us the same positive perspective related to the major challenges of church planting ministry. This outlook is no children’s fairy tale; it is based on the rock-solid promises of God.
Though our tasks may seem impossible, we can say with Scripture: “I can do all things, I can do all things, I can do all things.” (Phil. 4:13). “All things are possible, all things are possible, all things are possible” (Mark 9:23).
Your church planting trail may be tough, the going may be rough. You may feel like giving up. When you do, remember the Scriptural directive to keep on chugging along with a faith-filled, positive perspective: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (I Cor. 15:58 ESV).
Lord, Help me to stay strong, even when I am discouraged, remembering that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Amen.
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