How not to become directionless in the storm.

PART 3 KEEP RUNNING A STRAIGHT LINE THROUGH THE STORM.

ISAIAH 30:21

AND YOUR EARS SHALL HEAR A WORD BEHIND YOU SAYING, 

"THIS IS THE WAY WALK IN IT" 

WHEN YOU TURN TO THE RIGHT OR WHEN YOU TURN TO THE LEFT.

 It's been an incomprehensible undeserved privilege to lead worship at mission conferences over the years, especially with quality musicians, singers and worshippers from so many cultures full of praise for what Christ has done and is doing. It has taught me so much about perspective for life being "bigger" and richer under His grace. It's not ever just about me. Gathering the nations together under Christ in one room / one church however small, is a window and foretaste of heaven. It is a visible (tangible) display in miniature of His ultimate purpose of bringing many nations together in rainbow grace.  This is yet to be seen and we live by faith. But let the foretaste not be misunderstood, nothing is monochrome or mono dimensional about our God, He is altogether glorious and the spectrum of His work of grace is wider than any human eye can see. Singing with thousands on this fallen planet has not yet done this justice, but it is a majestic overture to the song which will repeat in heaven. 

One thing has consistently bothered me though in the preparation of such worship... song selection. Why are there so few good songs in the mission book repertoire? So few songs sung about the great day of song to come when every people group and epoch of salvation will sing with an eternal smile ?

One of the songs I've appreciated was ...

"great is the darkness that covers the earth" particularly the last verse...

Great celebrations on that final day

When out of the heavens you come

Darkness will vanish

All sorrows will end

And rulers will bow at your throne

Our great commission complete

Then face to face we shall meet.

There's profound beauty in the simplicity, not least because I understand that having a clear view of the day to come is critical for living in the day of complex trouble, storm and missional challenge today. Paul asks the Galatians "You were running well... what hindered you ? Gal 5:7. A significant part of their distraction and derailment on the journey as disciples was losing sight that the finish line is around the corner and will inevitably come. Surely this connects with the thoughts in verse 5 "For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness". Keeping sight of the end, helps us persevere with perspective and priority. 

The Holy Spirit leads us with a steady hand on the rudder when we listen to His way, the same way of our pacesetter Christ. Waiting for the day and heading for it in a straight line is still possible in the storm even though this world buffets us in all sorts of directions and tries to send us well off course. He that is in us is greater than He that is in the world.

1) Listen to The Spirit's call to hunger for heaven not build heaven here and now. ROMANS 8:26-27.

2) Listen to The Spirit's call to lead sinners to repentance, to lose yourself in self forgetfulness and walk in His perspective and bigger purpose of so many who need Christ. MATTHEW 6:33, GALATIANS 5:16, 

3) Daily remind yourself that you are one step nearer glory or His return. Like waiting for Christmas there are not too many sleeps to go, and one less every time our head hits the pillow. The finish tape is in sight, it will happen and you will end a race well run by His help. You are weak but He is strong, the forerunner Christ is already home by the same strength and plan. He is preparing our place, so don't get distracted by the storm, the sin of others, the temptation to settle into security  or comfort... eternity has more of than you can imagine, so press on now. Run harder dear friend. Push on to see more in His Choir singing His Song, for there is day coming when adding new members to the choir won't be possible,  the choir will be completely assembled and that really is not that far away.