Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!
Psalm 69:30
It really goes without saying that Amy and I are extremely grateful for all the kindness shown to us last Saturday evening as so many of you gathered to help us celebrate our 35 years here at Rockport. But just because something “goes without saying” doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to be said. So let me say it. “Thank you Rockport!” Not just for your kindness last week, but for the 1,825 weeks there have been since we first came in 1991. Those of you who have been here long enough know there were good ones and bad ones; some full of joy, others marked by sorrow. But life is like that. Stay anywhere long enough and you will find a mixture of tears and cheers, laughter and crying.
But here’s the thing. We can rejoice in all these things—the good and the bad—when we know that the faithful hand of our sovereign God has brought them. That, I think, is the note that has been stuck in my mind the most these past few weeks: how God has proven Himself faithful time and again.
When I first came to Rockport all those years ago as a young pastor, I believed the gospel; I was grateful for salvation; but I had it in my mind that this thing called “ministry” all depended on me. So I worked hard, I preached, I counseled and tried to lead. But when things didn’t go according to my plan, I got frustrated. Then somewhere along the way, God in His mercy opened my eyes to see that it is He who reigns over all things; His Spirit does the real work; and the power to change minds and save souls comes, not through human effort, but by His power working through His Word. That is what truly changes things. Indeed, that changes everything!
So filled with gratitude to God for all His daily gifts of grace!
Pastor Scott