Waiting  and Renewing our Strength

Waiting can be a trying time. Sue and I experienced Covid recently and found the wait related to staying in isolation, away from family and friends a very trying time indeed. Even more, knowing that interstate families were coming to visit meant having to wait for their arrival was a matter of counting down the days. But, in one case, the days have arrived, and we celebrate life with that family. For our church, we have been in a period of waiting as we prepare for the calling of a new minister. This has been a long process and the Joint Nominating Committee has appreciated your patience as it has sought to discern God’s leading in the selection of new ministers for both West Epping and Carlingford churches. The Committee is hopeful the end is in sight and will be able to move to the next step of calling ministers in the near future. But, in the meantime, we need to wait a bit longer. So, let us be patient as we wait. I am reminded of the words from Isaiah Chapter 40:31 “but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Can I invite us to be “renewing our strength” in preparation for the arrival of our Minister of the Word. We should expect to participate in ministry and mission in different ways to that which we have experienced in recent decades largely because our churches are seeking to respond, under God’s leading, to the changing missional environment in which we find ourselves. Let us be praying that our congregation is ready to embark on new and exciting ways of being God’s representatives in this area. Let us pray that the waiting will soon end.

NRM