ACF Presses on in Faith – Full-time Ministry

— Midweek Meditations:
thoughts, inspiration and encouragement
from ACF community members —

First of all, let’s pause for a moment to pray for this period of interregnum, giving thanks to God for all those who are shouldering the responsibilities of keeping our community together in worship. The Wardens have been working tirelessly. Their action reminds one of Mordecai’s comments to Queen Esther, at a difficult time in their history,

“Who knows if you have not become queen for such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14b

As we move forward with the search for a full-time minister, the concerns of those who believe that it is not affordable are not ignored. The past also cannot be ignored. It is with faith that a full time ministry has been established here in Freiburg. Twenty years ago, it seemed rather risky, to ask a minister and his family to come from abroad to Freiburg, to shepherd a congregation, small in numbers and finances. However, both parties were willing to take that leap of faith.

Today, the prospects for survival and self-sufficiency are challenging but promising. By looking back we should be encouraged. We are where we are, not through our own strength and ingenuity. We are blessed.

It is no wonder that the Lord insists on the Israelites:

“Remember that for 40 years the LORD your God led you on your journey in the desert. He did this in order to humble you and test you. He wanted to know whether or not you would wholeheartedly obey his commands. So he made you suffer from hunger and then fed you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had seen before. He did this to teach you that a person cannot live on bread alone but on every word that the LORD speaks. Your clothes didn’t wear out, and your feet didn’t swell these past 40 years. Learn this lesson by heart: The LORD your God was disciplining you as parents discipline their children.”

Deuteronomy 8:2-5

The discontinuation of the financial support from the Anglican Church in Basel (ACB) has forced us into a deeper reliance on the promises of God. It is to strengthen us not to make us weaker.

When the Old Testament prophet and judge Gideon was challenged into battle, he had twenty two thousand soldiers at his disposal.

The LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’ “

Judges 7:2

So, through a process of elimination, Gideon entered into battle with three hundred men and was victorious.

God’s help can come through unexpected sources, creating an atmosphere of awe, wonder and trust. A journey with uncertainty can be a pathfinder to the secure arms of the loving Lord. We are now called upon to flex our spiritual muscles, living by faith and not by sight. In so doing, we will have a clearer vision of God as the provider, who has promised to supply all our needs. He holds success in store for the believers. Let us walk with HIM.

Amen.