“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
                                                                                                                                     Hebrews 10:23

As group of believers, there are times that we become troubled and impatient of the things we should be as body of Christ. There are moments we thought if God is really moving in the church and there are questions in our minds whether the presence of His Spirit is upon us. Sometimes we doubt that we are indeed a church considering our slow physical and spiritual growth, the mission and ministry yet to be fulfilled and developed, the many areas around us which need to be reach out for the Lord and the vacant chairs still to be filled with precious souls. 

With this in mind and the big task ahead of us as we enter the New Year, what hope lies for the church in continuing to fulfill the work of the Lord? Can we measure our success by the physical things that are evident in terms of growth, ministry, and being dynamic? Shall we focus alone on what we feel we are or simply focus on the promises of God? What is our assurance that God is working through us in terms of growth the way the church should be?

Looking back the year when we started the ministry here in Sharjah always gives me hope and encouragement. Throughout the years we saw how God moved in this church and how He made us grow not only in number but also in the knowledge of Him. God has been so great that out of His abundant grace He remains to be faithful with us. He is our only hope in doing the mandate of Christ and He alone can make our ministry flourish as the Lord gives increase. It is true that being dynamic, great in number, having many church activities and ministry developments are exciting but our success as a church does not always focus on these things alone.

Our growth as a church does not rest on quantity and achievement itself but the quality of what we are. It cannot be base upon how nice the Friday service is and how dynamic our church in terms of worship. But above all it can be measured by the many transformed lives, families being preserved, relationships being restored, the love being cherished that flows in each every brethren, and how we relate ourselves to this world in sharing them the Gospel.
 
Though there are still many things to be done but God continue to work through us as He leads us in each every bold step in pursuing His vision set before us. Even we have not fully accomplished yet the things we are to do but the Lord wants us to remain faithful and committed. God called us to hold fast the confession of our hope that is purely base upon His faithfulness. Even when we become unfaithful in doing things the Lord will remain faithful with His words.

As a church let us not lose hope of being what we are but hold fast and be patient in doing the work of the Lord. Let us not dream of what we should be but concentrate on what the Lord gave us. Let us continue to build our faith in God, in building each other’s relationship in love, and to be servant-leaders in areas we are called to be. God is faithful in bringing souls to our church. Let us disciple them and make them followers of Christ. He is faithful to fulfill His promises to us if we will continue to put our trust in Him. With the help of God, the power of the Holy Spirit and the unity of everyone we can build this church according to His divine purpose.

As we are about to celebrate our 11th year anniversary, let us not focus on the number in terms of achievement but mainly on the faithfulness of God throughout those years. God has sustained the church and what we are now is simply because of Him. Let us continue to hold fast our confession of hope without wavering, for He who promised is a faithful God.
 

by: Pastor Nick Esguerra

(WIN-Sharjah Head Pastor)