Deadlines vs. Faith

Deadlines do matter in life to complete tasks and projects, but I was recently reminded that the achievement of our hopes and dreams matter more. A few months ago, the realization that the dedication the Ministry Center had to be postponed was discouraging. At that time, Pastor Sergei withdrew for a moment and returned with a Russian church bulletin from 2002. In it was an announcement for a youth conference to be held at the Chelyabinsk Ministry Center in August 2003. That conference never happened and during that year, the Russian church and the Ministry Center faced the beginning of many setbacks and economic hardships. Pastor Sergei reminded us that our faith should not be shaken by missing a “printed” date but rather be challenged to a deeper level of trust. The Russian church understands and knows what it is like to face difficult times. This project has taken longer to complete than ever imagined and even as it still seems to be an endless task, with God nothing is impossible. Dates are set as goals for us to reach but it is ultimately God’s schedule that is followed. We do believe that the opportunity to complete this project is at hand. Although the window of opportunity may be narrowing, God has given us all the grace, strength and faith to see it through. We continue to plan, prepare, and set dates, but at the same time keep our faith that tomorrow is in God’s mighty hands.