Happy 20th Bethany Sydney Church Anniversary. My family and I wish a happy 20th anniversary to all the congregation and fellow servants. It feels like just yesterday that this Church and House of GOD was established in the city of Sydney. Our anniversary theme is “God’s Provision.” We are all reminded that the GOD we worship and serve is Immanuel, which means God is with us. Truly, we cannot see God's provision with our physical eyes. We cannot hold it physically. Therefore, often in times of difficulty, when we are pressed and pressured, we easily doubt and question HIS provision. Even the servant of the Prophet Elisha, named Gehazi, could become very panicked and fearful when danger surrounded him. It reached a point where Prophet Elisha had to pray for GOD to open his spiritual eyes.
2 Kings 6 The account of Elisha in the war against Aram 15 When the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Sometimes, I too can feel worried and afraid, especially since after 20 years, Bethany Sydney still does not have a permanent place of worship. The purchase price or rent for a building in the city is super expensive and beyond reasonable logic, and when added to the church's total savings over 20 years, it is relatively too small to buy a building in Sydney. But let us all learn to imitate King David, who, in a state of having lost everything, pressed and deeply pressured, continued to strengthen his Faith and trust in GOD.
1 Samuel 30:6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
Have you ever imagined a small child being led by their father walking into a dark room that is strange to them? That small child will still feel calm and safe because they feel their father's hand holding them tightly. That is how we pray, entering a new season, the 21st year, a future that is uncertain, believe, the Hand of GOD continues to hold us firmly to lead us all through the valley of the shadow of death.
Hebrews 13:5…. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
IMMANUEL. GOD is with us all always. Amen.