Three biblical phrases have guided Harriet and me through our years of marriage, parenting, a significant career change, and subsequent kingdom service. They are promises from God’s Word that have given us hope and courage during a few of the challenges along the way. On many occasions, these words brought us great comfort and assured us of God’s absolute trustworthiness. When I was diagnosed with stage four transitional cell carcinoma a few years ago, these 12 words provided strength as we endured the treatment protocols. They are: (1) fear not, (2) I am with you, and (3) with God all things are possible.
HolmesLately, the Holy Spirit has brought these phrases forward again, though in a significantly different context. There’s no 10-hour surgery, chemotherapy, or other medical procedures. Instead, God speaks these things to me as I contemplate the challenges before us as a denomination. They are certainly significant.
The other day, a ministry colleague said my assignment as president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention is to unify our diverse constituency. That thought has invaded the chambers of my mind and heart, and I have prayed that it would not possibly be so. Surely, unity is the work of our Lord Jesus, a task far greater than my pay-grade, as they say.
Henry and Richard Blackaby, in their book “Spiritual Leadership,” define spiritual leadership as moving people onto God’s agenda. This is the assignment expected of every spiritual leader. So, we debate what actually comprises God’s agenda, and get caught in the circular arguments of theology, methodology, ecclesiology and all the other weighty matters. Passion for our position just as quickly drives us into camps. Camps, then, have names and boundaries and defenses. The possibility of them existing in a unified whole is the challenge of the hour, more than mere humans can accomplish, especially me.
So, go simple with me! Enter three biblical promises God gave His people when they were scratching their heads over seemingly impossible dilemmas, asking, “How can this be?” He calmed them with “Fear not,” shifted their vision forward with “I am with you” or “I will be with you,” and gave them traction with “Nothing is impossible with God.”
The subtle humanism of the times suggests that our messes are beyond repair, perhaps fatalism that fosters resignation. Instinctively, we look for a silver-bullet, rational devices and schemes to remedy our problems. Sadly, these home-cooked answers often make the problems worse. Under relational stress, our petty solutions just widen the gulf that separates us. As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger that man’s strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Read 1 Corinthians 1-3 and discover the profound biblical answers to the perplexing things that confounded the believers at Corinth.
So, these three promises keep scrolling across my personal screen. He says, “Fear not,” “I am with you,” and “Nothing is impossible with God.” In my heart, this is God’s agenda for us right now – total and absolute reliance on Him, trusting Him in all things, seeking His face in these challenging times. Circumstances trouble and puzzle us. They do not trouble Him.
Maybe I’m out to lunch. But the mission now is to remember the promises, and the truth: “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).