Storm in a Teacup

Years have elapsed since we first came to Gurgaon and preached the gospel in this city. Many have been saved, yet the nature of this city is that of a metropolis where swarms of people thronged from all over India and like modern nomads, none really a permanent or local resident among those whom we have contacted. The thirst for increase has been long pending in the local church we have been meeting. Though many came and went and some were caught by the Lord for His recovery, the strength in number is far too less from the rate of increase of this city's growth. We have had quite a number of gospel preachings and sheperding in homes, but not to our real satisfaction. We believe it has to be much more and we pray earnestly for the same.

These days, the rain seems to be pouring-in in this dry and thirsty land. And the enemy knows it quite well. His main attack is to fight against the church and the saints by all means in all possible ways. Therefore, we are also gearing up with the armor of God for a spiritual battle. Off and on, the battle is raging. As the church, as we prayed, the enemy's silence has reached his limit and began to storm up. This storming up to me is just a storm in a teacup. For he is the defeated foe as Christ is already the Victor!

Tonight's prayer meeting has experienced one such storm in a teacup. With certain brothers opining on what's going one and how we should shepherd or preached the gospel. To me it was all a storm in a teacup. Only the Lord knows why the church we are in is not gaining so much increase as hoped and prayed for. Not that there is no increase at all. In fact, there is a good number of increase. New families and new saints have been added, but our expectation is a big growth, which may not happen as wished. For the Lord knows the best.

To me, the Lord is the Lord of blessings. If He wills, He will bless. Often times, our unprepared vessels are the problem that hinders the Lord's blessings. Perhaps, there are "Achans" who have treasured spiritually prohibited items among His children. Or perhaps, the self, the natural man, sins and the world are still too sticky among the saints. Only the Lord Himself knows. My personal prayer at this time is for the Lord to sanctify each one, deal with each one according to our need and be filled with Him to flow out to others and gain increase.

Opining otherwise on dos and don'ts or whos, whats and hows will not help the saints nor the increase and growth of the church a bit. I firmly believe, as the Lord has been preparing us, in His time He will shower abundance of blessings. And that day is not far from now. So, cheer up. Sail one and continuing enjoying the church-life. 

The enemy's storm in a teacup is a sure sign of the forthcoming fulfillment of the Lord's promised blessings.

Lord, sanctify our vessels to command Your blessings!