Divine Determination and Discernment

Today concludes our series, Moving Forward Together, examining the book of Ruth. We have been invited to name the losses we’ve experienced, personally, and as a congregation, so that we may grieve as the first act of moving forward into the amazing future that God has for our lives and for this church. We stand at a crossroads— will we choose despair or will we forge ahead with divine determination as we discern the voice and activity of God? I have already witnessed through the disciples of this church that First Baptist Church is choosing to move with divine determination and discernment. Hallelujah! Yet we recognize that the roads won’t always be easy to traverse, so we pray for fortitude, friends for the journey, and the favor of God to rest on our church. Graced with fortitude, friends, and favor, we are in the place where the rubber of ministry hits the road of our faith. This is where God challenged us, myself included, to identify where we are in ministry, imagine ways to do ministry with excellence, to be holy instigators, and to be industrious as we move from COVID era inertia to an invigorated ministry. It’s time for the doers to rise up, to be good stewards of the gifts and graces that God has given you, and to work the works of Him to called you out of darkness into His marvelous light! Moving forward together is possible with the power and presence of Almighty God!

I invite each of us to meditate on this series and ask God: What losses do I need to grieve? What decisions do I need to make? What do I need to go the distance? What particular ministry or ministries is God calling me to? How can I rely on God’s power so that I can do my part in moving forward together?

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Donna Owusu-Ansah