2022_04_13 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- 1 Thessalonians 5, 2 Thessalonians 1
Like many weeks (maybe every week) there is a lot that could be discussed from the two chapters we are reading. This time I’m going with two verses that have particular meaning to me:
“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12 (NIV)
Around 2005 New Hope was looking to purchase property so we wouldn’t have to be a mobile church anymore. We found one that had a ton of potential, and the price was reasonable, but we didn’t have money saved for an opportunity like this. In fact, each year, we would bank 3 months’ operating expenses and give the rest to ministry initiatives. In order to purchase the property, we needed to raise capital. As I was praying one morning, I knew that Becky and I should lead the effort, but, at that time, we had very little savings. As I prayed, God reminded me that I did have my blue ’65 Mustang. I loved that car and had absolutely no intention of selling it. As I continued to think and pray, it became more and more of a conviction that I needed to sell it and donate the proceeds to our new building fund, as an act of faith and leading by example. It was a difficult decision, but one that I have never regretted. God has, and continues to, bless New Hope through the use of our property and facilities to accomplish His good, and life-changing purposes. I have a model of a blue ’65 Mustang in my office, reminding me of that decision and reminding me that when we step out in faith to do our part in fulfilling God’s purposes, He will always know and bless us in the process.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor