In First Corinthians 3, verses 12-14, Paul is speaking to the Corinthians, saying: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It's not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process, but God, who makes things grow."
Long ago, I read these verses about the time we heard that our beloved pastor was leaving our Arizona church where we had become happy participants. She was going to start a church in Las Vegas. It was a good time for their family, and we were glad for her after first knowing disappointment for ourselves. But, the above verses brought back to us how Moses himself had to give up his leadership to Joshua in order for the Israelites to finally go to the Promised Land. That was a great God-move. In Corinth, God brought different leaders who each left their mark on the city, and the peoples' faith grew because of it.
And so it shall always be. We have hope renewed whenever change occurs. Our jobs are to stay true to God, whoever is meant to be our "leader." This is a good pattern for our lives, like the girl at the dance hall who was being asked by many if they could take her home, and she answered, "Nope. I gotta' stick with the guy who brung me!" Many leaders; One faith!
Only God can change what God ordains and God has ordained that we stay loyal to God.
God, we are counting on you, the love of your Son and the wisdom and guidance of your Spirit within us. We witness to You as a people of prayer and servant-hood. We are a Body of One Spirit. We are your field to harvest as you will. Amen.
And.... So may it ever be!
Jo INMN
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