In the absence of kumbayas
Martha Olawale
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
When I think about seasons, I think about what refined gold must endure. If the gold could talk, I’m sure it would complain about the fire's embers and the excessive molding. Yet if it could see beyond the pressure and recognize that it was becoming more valuable than in its rough state, it would embrace the process.
One thing I’ve noticed over my years in the West is that the Church is easily swayed. At some point, we must strengthen the tendons of our faith, watering our roots so they reach deeper. When we do, we become unshakable and grow like the cedar in Lebanon. Psalm 92:12-13 says, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.”
While we cannot ignore the human effects, the truth remains: the Church that stands on God’s Word belongs to God, and our allegiance is to Jesus alone. Seasons come and go, but Jesus remains. When our eyes are fixed on Him, the winds may blow, and the tides may rise, yet we will stand. Of course, our humanity and emotions may struggle to hold on, but when we abide in Christ, the Holy Spirit sustains us.
Jesus fed five thousand, yet only 120 people were in the room on the day of Pentecost. Numbers don’t bother God. He used less than 3% of those He fed to change the world and can use even fewer for a local church. America and the entire world are on the map of faith because of a few people's willingness and obedience. It’s a privilege to stand when the battle rages, for it produces Kingdom-sized rewards for the Church. It leaves a legacy of faithfulness for coming generations, sharpening the dull edges of our humanity so grace can win.
In the absence of kumbayas, we must listen to Heaven’s rhythm, honoring those who die daily for their faith, and, even when wounded, telling the enemy, ‘Bring it on.’ It’s always safer to stay where God plants us to maximize His grace within us because abandoning a ship Jesus is still in because of a storm shifts our focus from Him. He rewards our waiting with rest, our abiding with joy, and our warrior stance with courage. He is set to do a new thing, but we must wait for it.
