Begin To Take Possession

Last night I had a meeting with my precious Operation Christmas Child area team.  We even had a prospective new member there!  We spent time reviewing our 2013 Ministry Plan and reminding ourselves of God's faithfulness.

We talked of how our team exemplifies that truth that "His strength is made perfect in weakness."  We rehearsed the goals from last year's ministry plan that were achieved through prayer alone.

But this morning as I read from Deuteronomy 2:24 I was reminded that God calls us to action.  In this passage God is giving the Israelites instructions for getting ready to go into the promised land and he says, "Arise, set out, and pass through the valley of Arnon.  Look!  I have given Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land into your hand;  begin to take possession and contend with him in battle."

I was struck by all the action words in this verse--'arise'; 'set out';  'pass through'; 'look'; 'begin to take possession'; 'contend with him in battle'--

Prayer is the foundation of our team but God is also asking us to move in His power and do what He is calling us to do.

And so we begin...

We pick up the phone or put up the display table or plan the celebration event or      prospect for new members.

God is faithful.  He will keep His promises.  He will answer our prayers.  He will never leave us alone.  He will lead us into battle.

This year we will arise, set out, pass through, look....

And BEGIN