October 13, 2009 by Doug Davis 4 comments

Ok, I have to admit, launching a new church is both exciting and scary!  There is much to be said about starting something new.  Everything is fresh, there is no conflict, there are only positive expectations and any growth is significant.  But the scary part is all the upfront costs and work that is being done without seeing a return on the investment.  For you financial types you know what I mean about ROI.  Salary, insurance, rental space, office expenditures, website development and all those miscellaneous expenses all add up!  It seems the money is running out faster than it is coming in and in the case of a church plant, how true this is!  Yikes!

Now, I know what you are thinking, “You have to step out in faith!”  Yes, we do and we serve an incredible God who knows the outcome of all that we do and don’t do.  I have been blessed to see Him at work in my first church plant and I (Can I be so bold?) expect to see the same here as well.  God will provide and when He does it always “wows” me the manner in which He provides. 

The problem?  I allow my worldly perspective to cloud over the eternal perspective.  Yes, we need to be fiscally responsible and good stewards of all the good gifts He gives, but we also need to step out in faith when we see God moving out before us.  But God also counsels us to “count the cost” before we venture into a project.  Luke 14:28-32 speaks to us to consider what it costs to what ever we are doing and that includes being a disciple of Christ.  Jesus does not want us to walk blindly into the commitment to discipleship expecting only a blessings as a disciple of Jesus and doing Kingdom work. 

The cost?  Well, the cost is everything surrendered to Christ!  Everything?  Yes, everything! My doubts? Yes!  My fears? Yes!  My failings? Yes!  He wants us to surrender all to Him, because without Him, we are powerless to do anything.  He wants us to come to Him completely empty and powerless, so His power will be made perfect in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)  It is Jesus whose glory should shine and through whom we receive the power (Hebrews 11:34) to complete the tasks He sets before us. 

Pray with me.  Jesus I place all my failings, fears and doubts at the foot of the Cross on which you died for me.  Help me to stand firm when all seems so unsure around me.  In my weakness let me rejoice as Your strength empowers me to do that which I cannot do on my own.  To God be the glory! In the name of Jesus I pray.  Amen!

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