How To Move Forward When We Cannot See What's Ahead

A seminary professor once used a rowboat as a metaphor to illustrate how we can progress even when we cannot see ahead. Since rowers face away from their destination, how do they steer in the right direction? Experienced rowers look to where they have been, not where they are going. They set the destination first, then align the stern (rear) of the boat between two markers on the OPPOSITE shore. The rower rows with confidence even though they cannot see the direction they are going. This is an analogy of how we move forward as a church. I am very hopeful about the future of RB Community, but before jumping ahead, let us first recognize how and where God has carried us so far. In our deepest disappointments, we found His mercy. In our pain, we found His comfort. These moments forged a deep faith in all those who learned to rely solely on God rather than worldly resources. In Joshua 4:7, Joshua set up twelve stones and said to the Israelites, "These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." They just crossed the Jordan because of God's miracle, and these stones were markers for Israel to recall who they follow and how they were guided in the wilderness. They moved forward by remembering God's grace in the past. This is what Apostle Paul means by "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). You yourselves are markers of God's faithfulness because you have already overcome many trials with God's help. You are living testimonies that stand as a witness to others that God is mighty and faithful and true! We echo the psalmist who wrote, "Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!" (Psalm 66:5). At the cross, God demonstrated His unwavering love and faithfulness once and for all. He has consistently shown this grace to RB Community even in times of hardship and in ministry success. Even when we cannot see what lies ahead, we move forward with confidence because the God who carried us then will carry us still. Journeying with you, Pastor Jason