Succeeding through Faith - Failing through Self

This morning my devotionals also brought me to the 17th chapter of Matthew. I believe what I found is significant for the Vancouver Church as we move forward to develop our mission and vision.

In the NET translation of Matthew 17:20 Jesus tells those who had failed as they were are trying to accomplish God's will in their world, “It was because of your little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you.

Apparently the disciples were trying to accomplish God's will (freeing a boy from a demon) through self. Jesus says God’s will is accomplished through faith – not self. When we set out to do God’s will through faith nothing is impossible for us to accomplish for God.

As the Adventist Community Church of Vancouver seeks to accomplish God's will in our community the leaders and yes the entire church needs to check self (including our motives cf. Psalm 139:2). First, are we trying to accomplish God’s will or our will. Second, are we trying to accomplish it through self or through faith. If through faith then we guaranteed success.

Let's make sure we are on the right team for the right reasons and that we are setting the right goals - God's goals. Then let's let our team captain (Jesus) lead us to victory!