From Edwin Hughes (Grays Baptist Church), the guy who started the whole Rock Thurrock ball rolling, after he was inspired by God to talk to the people at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) stall at last May’s Christian Resources Exhibition. This was written on 8 February,
We did Joshua 1:9 in our service on Sunday
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
God gave me this verse several years ago to change the way I live and to help
me overcome my spirit of timidity and help eradicate the Jonah spirit that ruled my life
i.e. running in the opposite direction from commitment.
You could say it is this verse that created the possibility for Rock Thurrock to become a reality for Thurrock. Sure, God could have found any numbers of ways to do this but I’m thankful that through obedience to His word, it was me He used as the match to spark it off.
Funnily enough when I walked into this room this morning jumping out at me from my sons
mess on the floor was a leaflet from last year with the title “The Joshua Generation”.
That this should come up now is firstly a reminder to me from God to keep to the instruction He gave me and secondly I think he may want to show that this is the time to raise up a new generation that is fearless in fulfilling the Great Commission. Jesus said ‘the kingdom of God is for such as these’ referring to young people. They are generally the most fearless and we need to utilise that and just as importantly join in with them and become like that ourselves.
Also was struck by this verse last week:
Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house (Proverbs 24:27 NIV)
Got the feeling this is aimed at this project. We need to create through Rock Thurrock a new foundation
on which to rebuild the church for the future.
I still feel that this is the time God wishes to do something spectacular through young people in this place and we need to remain strong and courageous and not be terrified or discouraged.
When things seem like they are not yet going to plan remember that God is in control and as long as we keep pushing the rock in faith that He will move it, then, it will be moved. We will see amazing things happen because He is with us every step of the way. His promise is true and His word will not return to Him empty.