That question ‘What now?’ comes up quite regularly, especially when things are going from bad to worse and it seems like you can’t cut a break. I know I’ve given voice to that question out of frustration on numerous occasions. Likewise, when it comes to the twist and turns that we have to negotiate during the COVID 19 season, I have found myself saying ‘What now?’, especially when another set of restrictions or risk mitigation by-laws are instituted. I am can’t help but sigh loudly when the volumes of cleaning regulations come down the line.
The CCUC Leadership Team face the same question ‘What now?’ when we consider our future. ‘What now God?’ How do we move into the future you have for us given this disruption and redirection of what it means to be the church. Now scattered but gathered online and on the phone but soon to be face-to-face again. The question is an important one – so that we do not waste this moment and just return to a normal.
I want to acknowledge, that for some, this time of isolation and separation has been a real struggle. Nevertheless, there are so many good things that are happening! People have found new online skills, others have had family bring technology to them to be included in the ‘online gathered community’. Families and individuals who have been ‘past’ or ‘loosely connected members’ have been engaged in our online presence. From week to week we have had as many 1500 and as few as 600 check out our services and at least a third watching it live or at a later date. This includes friends and relatives as far away as Canada, South Australia, Townsville, Ingham and even East Innisfail. Strong connections have been forged across the breadth of the congregation. There are ‘over the phone’ bible studies and an ‘online streamed eCourse study’ happening called TNT.
‘What now?’ is such and important question for us as a church as we consider what Jesus is calling us to as a church and also as individuals. This Sunday I am going to have a go at this question from a particular viewpoint in my message. The title of the message is actually ‘What am I going to do?’ but it comes out of the same stable. Like our question ‘What now?’ this question can be asked out of frustration or out of desire to pursue that which Jesus has in mind for us to pursue.
I don’t know about you – but I want to be found doing the thing that Jesus has in mind to do. When Jesus returns I’d like to be found running after Jesus rather than running after my own show. Even before he returns I’d like to be found running after Jesus. I guess this is the first part of the answer to the question ‘What now?’ or ‘What am I going to do?’. Run after Jesus. First and foremost pursue Jesus without reservation. When you do this you’ll find yourself doing what Jesus had in mind and that the frustration has diminished or disappeared completely.
My friends I am convinced that there is an exciting future emerging out of these days. I believe God can use all things for good. I believe that God is good and his plans for us are good. We can join Him or make up our own alternate plan – God will respect both decisions.
“As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15