As many of you know, Katie and I (and Gabe) just returned from our district Pastors’ Retreat that is held every year in mid-October. It’s a great time of getting together with other pastors, gaining insights and ideas, resting and recharging. It’s also a time to worship and seek God’s Spirit. This year’s theme was “send the rain,” seeking a fresh filling and moving of the Holy Spirit. It makes me wonder: Does it rain in our communities? Literally sure, but spiritually speaking, does it rain your community?
Jesus told His disciples two things that I think apply well:
“’But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” – Acts 1:8, NIV
“’And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.’” – Matthew 16:18, NIV.
Jesus told his disciples in Acts 1:8 that the power to be people on mission – spreading the good news about Jesus to the ends of the earth – would come from God Himself when the Spirit of God was poured about upon them. This is fulfilled in Acts 2, and still today.
In Matthew 16:18 Jesus tells Peter that he will lead the early church, but notice who’s building it. Not Peter, but Jesus. Jesus says, “I will build my church.” Then the next part – equally significant – “the gates of Hades (hell) will NOT overcome it.” Wow! What an extra ordinary promise. This is a God-sized promise! There is no way even the best of humanity could withstand the forces of hell. But the One who sits in Heaven and is with us can!
Back to retreat, and this question. Our theme was “send the rain,” and our time together was spent asking God to move more, to move powerfully, and to do great things. God, please send the rain – break the chains of addiction, heal sickness, bring revival, give us prophetic words to encourage people. Release people from suicide, or thoughts or temptations that are from the enemy. Advance your kingdom and save! This was our prayer – talk about the gates of hell not prevailing!
But can He send it to Leask, Marcelin, Blaine Lake, and surrounding area?
The answer is yes. However, we have a part to play in this. We must wait with expectancy. We must desperately desire and want/allow God to move in and through us! Do you want revival? It’s starts with you! Do you want to see people healed? Maybe God wants to use you as a tool for healing from Him. Do you want to see people set free from addiction? Maybe God is calling you to go and do something about it.
This is in part what I was faced with at retreat. I want to see LGT be a place where the Holy Spirit is powerfully transforming lives. I want to see Jesus radically changing and renewing people in Leask. It starts with me… and you. I struggled with this question: Can God do something amazing in our communities? I believe He can. I believe He is. I believe He wants to. So, here’s the question: Will you receive the rain God wants to pour out on your community?