The next day Jesus desired and decided to go into Galilee; and He found Philip and said to him, Join Me as My attendant and follow Me.
John 1:43
As the weeks go by it seems ever so long since we met as a family here at Erdington. Although I believe there is progress ahead nevertheless I want to encourage us all to stay focused as a church and remember:
Coming Together Is A Beginning
Jesus, who was God and possessed incredible gifts and abilities, could have focused His ministry totally upon Himself. After all, He was a great crowd puller. People were constantly drawn to Him. However, He devoted most of His time and energy to building a team.
With only three years to accomplish His mission, Jesus took on the slow and difficult task of team building. He understood that His ministry could have a long-term, far-reaching impact through the members of His team who would continue His work on earth.
Take time to read: Matthew 4:18-20; Mark 1:19-20 and John 1:43
We too are a team and that is what we will always be. Therefore keep it in mind during these different times that soon we will be back as a team to carry on the work God has given us to do.
I believe God has built us up as a team and will not allow our current status to stop the work He has planned. Someone once said destiny can be delayed but not destroyed if God is in it. The apostle Paul is a great example of how he was thwarted with his plans, the Macedonia call just being one of them. Yet perseverance and patience eventually won through.
So let us add one more key item Paul used and that is Prayer along with Perseverance and Patience.
Tonight at our gathering I hope to encourage you with one more small step, not for mankind but for Erdington Elim (The Team).