It has been 30 years since Henry Blackaby wrote the Bible study, Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God. I discovered it about two years later, while pastor in my first church after seminary. Struggling with how to lead our fellowship to engage our local mission field, as opposed to merely servicing the saints, and really with being more than mere cultural Christians, God used this study to show me His pattern for accomplishing His will through the church. It wasn't about me doing the best I could with the tools He's given. It was about us - the body of Christ - walking in relationship with Him, watching for indications of His activity, then joining in His work.
Notice the focus, not me but Him. God is at work to redeem a people unto Himself, and those He redeems He works through that others too may know redemption. But it's all about Jesus.
Now most of you reading this are seasoned Christians, many of you preachers, so nothing I have written here is new to you. But I believe it's good to remember that, while our obedience to Christ is clearly important, the advance of God's kingdom does not rest on us, or our great skill and accomplishments. It's about a Holy God at work though His church.
Much has changed in the world since Henry's first edition rolled off the press, but God remains at work. Walk closely with Him and He will continue that work through you and your church.
