Closing/Music

Five weeks, five stories. Stories of ordinary people faced with extraordinary challenges. Faced with challenges that were unattainable via own power. Yet, as each story unfolds, we can see God at work. We can see God’s hand weaving the very fabric of each situation and individual, then turning it into a beautiful tapestry. Through it all, not only was God present, He was active in the lives of His children.

Day/week 1 brought us face to face with Noah, a man said to be righteous in the eyes of God. The people of the day, according to the Bible, were not even close to being righteous but God had a rescue plan. A seemingly impossible task was given to Noah and by faith, Noah followed God’s instructions and His call.

Then day/week 2 we learned of God’s call to Abram(Abraham). God had a plan for us all- way back then. Thanks to the faithfulness of Abraham we are blessed, in order to be a blessing to others. Through faith Abram responded to God’s call to follow.

On day/week 3 we meet Moses. Oh, how we were shown God’s power to provide! Not only was God’s providence visible, so was he! In the plagues and certainly in the desert as the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Daily, the people received manna from heaven, in all ways and always God’s people were provided for. It was through faith that Moses lead the people of Israel out of bondage to Egypt and followed God’s call.

Perhaps on day/week 4 you met Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego for the first time. Perhaps this story isn’t one that is well known, but indeed we are shown of God’s power to protect. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego through faith remained faithful to God. And by doing so, the heart of King Nebuchadnezzar was changed.

And lastly on day/week 5 we experience God’s presence. In the book of Acts we read the story of Pentecost, where an awesome thing happens. The followers of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit. Then in Matthew 28: 19-20 NRSV we are given both a call and a reminder: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Notice the first word “Go”. No option is given, it is a command. A further command is given,” to make disciples of ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. It is that Spirit, the Spirit of God which enables us to follow whatever call He gives us. By faith, the followers of Jesus in Acts responded to God’s call and we can know with all certainty that God is with us always and in all ways.

In my opening comments I asked the question “How do we fully rely on God”. I hope these past 5 weeks have helped to answer that question for yourself. When I asked the question on opening day, my answer was by faith. My answer remains the same but... there is a caveat. I need to be open to God’s call. I need to say “Here I am Lord, send me.

Please enjoy the three songs I leave for you today. One is my response to Matthew 28, the second is something fun and the last is a blessing for you from my Irish heritage.

Thank you for joining us.

May God’s peace fill you and His Spirit guide you.

Laurie