Keys For The Journey Ahead Series

But amidst all of the uncertainty, there are two things we can be certain of: first, God goes ahead of you and second, the mission hasn’t changed. The Israelites had grown accustomed to God leading them by a pillar of cloud during the day and pillar of fire during the night. One of their greatest fears was that as they entered into a new land and begin a new journey, they will be left to their own devices. But no! Moses reminds the people that just as God has led them to this point, he will continue to lead them in the journey that lies ahead. And while they were set on this journey to be given the Holy Land, a land filled with milk and honey, they are also called to be God’s people and a light unto the nations. Moving into a new land doesn’t change the mission, it accentuates it. And for us, we need to be assured of two things: first, God goes ahead of us and second, the mission of “Connecting diverse communities to a lifestyle devoted to Jesus” will not change. Many have stated that they are concerned about what Bertrand’s vision is. Well, the vision for this church has already been set, the people here are on the bus and Bertrand is getting on the bus to join us in this journey. We’re following God vision, not a pastor’s vision and God goes ahead of us to lead us into that vision.

Third, God will give you a leader for this journey. “Joshua will also cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said.” Moses is at the end of his life and is about to die but God’s does not leave His people without a leader. He raised up Joshua to continue the journey. And likewise, God has appointed Bertrand Griffin II to lead you in the next leg of this journey. Many of you have questioned who he is, what he will be like and whether or not he will be able to lead this congregation. First, let me say that those questions and concerns are natural when one faces the unknown. I have had some of those same thoughts as well because I have so much invested in you, our mission and this church. I want to share with you the words of some of my closest colleagues, “You have to trust God that He is in the appointive process and that He will send just the right person.” It’s a matter of faith and it’s a matter of trust. I believe Bertrand Griffin is God’s man for the job and I’m asking you to receive Him and follow Him as such.

Fourth, follow God’s command for your life together. “You must do all that I have commanded you.” All of this is contingent on one thing: obedience to God’s will. The last three weeks, we have re-visited our Vision, Our Values and Our Strategy. It was a time to remind us of God’s call upon our life and ministry together but also a time to re-commit ourselves to God’s purpose and God’s will. All of this is God’s will for Gretna UMC. And if you stay the course, live out the values and fulfill the strategy, God will be right in the middle of it and you will be on God’s path which He has blazed ahead of you.