It was to become an epic night . . . but we had no idea.

This photo captured a private moment as we waited. In the waiting, you feel small, insignificant, weak, fearful. But deeper still, because of His Word, there is resolute confidence. Determination to give God glory and His rightful place in all of this, no matter what.

I find comfort in the honesty of the apostle Paul’s words, “I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3 NIV).

I tend to feel deeply what I imagine is the stress Greg is under, and I know what I must do. Pray. For weeks I had prayed most every day at least three times, and every night on my knees.

God, give us souls!

I don’t often express to you the emotions I experience going into a crusade event. And then, there was this year . . . after what can rightfully be called the annus horribilis. We have grieved the loss of so many lives. A time when families, friends, and churches have suffered divisions I never could have imagined, on top of the normal challenges that we all face.

Was this anything at all like what Paul felt when he expressed having “sorrow upon sorrow” that his dear friend was deathly ill? (Philippians 2:27) Or when he was beset with so much trouble and suffering that he even “despaired of life”? (2 Corinthians 1:8)

I admit to feeling tired, at times weary. Yawning when I knew that spiritual alertness was needed.

I have no idea but somehow Greg manages to press on, resilient, hopeful, courageous. Dreaming new dreams, focused—even happy—and ready to use every platform to share the good news, come what may.

So there we sat, looking out over that vast stadium filling up, silently absorbed in thought, together alone, hearts united.

Things began to unfold.

Quietly, God’s Spirit begins to stir. True believers unite, serving together, joined in prayers and praises. God convicts and confirms. Once again, He honors the sacrifice, speaks the Word, calls the dead to life, and lives are healed!

Yes, it became an epic night . . . as God had intended it would all along.

Do you believe in “but God” moments? Times when He gives us a fresh glimpse (see Zechariah 4:6) that it’s not by our might or power, but by His Spirit? I do.

And just to show He was in all of this, the very next night, unpredictably, we had a change of weather. Our clear, warm summer skies broke open in lightening, thunder, pouring rain and fierce wind. Coincidentally, the day after SoCal Harvest, Facebook and Instagram unexpectedly went down. All of this could have seriously hindered the reach of this event…but God!

There are no coincidences. God is in control.

So let’s rejoice together and remember.

Let’s stay the course, keep our eyes on Him.

Let’s take  His Word to heart and see what He will do!

 

“ ‘…take courage and work; for I am with you,’ declares the Lord of hosts.”

(Haggai 2:4 NASB)

 

“Do not let your hands fall limp. The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior.”

(Zephaniah 3:17 NASB)

 

“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.”

(Isaiah 54:2 NKJV)