Why we must look forward

Eight months. That's how long I've been here in the Mon-Valley area. Not very long if you consider most everyone here has been in this area their entire lives. When we arrived here in September 2011, we knew it was going to be hard for us as a family, but we never anticipated the trials and struggles that were to come. To say we had a rough start would be an understatement, but we were optimistic, knowing God has brought us here for a purpose.

So, let's do the math. Pack up, move your family over 800 miles away from everyone they know and love, add a ton of new people who don't know you then add to that the role of youth pastor, which for most, usually only last a few months due to stress, miscommunication and tons of work with little pay and you have a recipe for failure.

Fortunatley, I've learned that failure does equal the end, just like the past does not equal the future. Both success and failure are needed to become who God intends for us to be. Can I say that I've done everything in perfect love and humility, no. I've made my mistakes and hurt people along the way...but I can say it's never been intentional. Most of us never want to offend or hurt others, especially in the church. However, it does happen.

Jesus tells us in Luke 17:1 that "It is impossible that no offenses should come". Here the term "offenses" literally means "stumbling blocks". So we could read it as, "It is impossible that no stumbling blocks should come", which should prepare us for the inevitable...there will be times of stumbling. Think about it. We stumble over each other, don't we? Especially in the church where the enemy is working the most. It is his will and passion to cause division among the people of God. The very people that Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

Of course we know that this is no ordinary love that Jesus is talking about, it is a new standard. A servantlike, selfless love. A love that according to 1 Corinthians 13:8 "never fails". It is a love like no other and it is how the world will know that we belong to Him!

Being raised within the "church" my entire life I have seen the ugly side of people. I've witnessed the pain and destruction that offense can cause between the people of God. I can honeslty say that God has given me a love for His people. Its why I do what I do. The plain and simple truth is, it's not our past offenses, hurts or pain that determine our future as the people of God. Its how we respond to those times of "stumbling" over one another that determines our future.

Unfortunatley, many times, we see the opposite of what God expects from us. Instead of reacting to offenses in love and forgiveness, we allow bitterness and hurt to take root. Before long, the joy of the Lord is far from reach and we find ourselves withdrawn and aloof from God's people. Many dear brothers and sisters in the Lord never return from this place. They just won't let go of their offense. They feed it, nurture it and allow it to grow.

John Bevere says that, "An offended Christian is one who takes in life, but because of fear, cannot release it." I'm burdened for believers who live in this fear, carrying around their offenses like stones around their necks. I can't tell you how many times I've heard Christians say, "Well, so and so did this and they said that" years after the offense. If we are going to experience the kind of love and joy that God has for us we must be willing to forgive. When we are unable to forgive, we have forgotten the great debt that God has forgiven us.

That is why, we must look forward! I'm asking that you join me on this journey of forgiveness. Letting go of past hurt and offenses...and looking forward to the bright future God has in store for His children. Make a point today to forgive those who have wronged you and ask God to help you walk in His love. God Bless - Brian

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Mark 11:24-26