Keep Dreaming

All across the nation, we can see that Christian organizations, as well as other charities, have been distributing food to their communities.  Meeting the physical needs of those around us is a powerful, indelible way in which the Church can actually radiate the light of Christ.  In Acts 4, we see the 
selflessness of the early Church:
33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

In the economy of these believers in Acts, there was a sense of commonality, as these Christians gave of the resources that God had entrusted to them.  They testified to the living Lord by being yielded vessels to be used of the Lord.  They demonstrated the power of God in them by allowing the love of Christ to be manifested through them. It's been said that when a person's physical needs are supplied, it provides an open door for spiritual needs to be addressed.

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One of the dynamic ways in which churches and ministries reflect Jesus is through their faithfulness to minister to physical needs. In James chapter 2, we find a mindset and prescription for effective ministry, and it involves doing physical ministry that can lead to spiritual transformation. We can read:
15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

The California ministry tweeted out last Monday: "BEST WEEKEND EVER! Over 3,000 cars served, 12k presents given out, $10k in cash given to families in need from Secret Santa, and countless moments of pure JOY! In addition, 750 hams, 1,000 bags of food, & 3,000 socks were distributed..."

That's the word from the Los Angeles Dream Center, which is headed by Matthew Barnett, who has been a guest on The Meeting House in the past - in fact, the last time I spoke with him was this past spring, as Matthew shared about how God was using the ministry to provide food to people in the midst of the coronavirus situation.

Well, that praise report from the California Dreamland event the weekend before Christmas almost didn't occur. The Stream reports that weeks before Christmas, county officials had shut the facility down due to COVID restrictions.  The article points out, "The Center, located in an old hospital, houses 700 people who would otherwise be homeless. They also daily give away food to 3,500 poor people in their community. But one of the best times is had during their Christmas present and food giveaway."

Barnett told The Stream that he sent an e-mail to authorities: “I’m like, look, we will comply with whatever you say, but I’m just going to have to tell the people that … Christmas is canceled. But it’s not our choice. It was your decision to do it. And I’m not going to own it if I didn’t cancel it myself.”  He recorded a video which got over 300,000 views.

The article says:

But those who would be affected didn’t go away quietly. They contacted the county and told them the event was essential. “It just kind of struck a chord with people and they rose to defend the cause of the one thing left in the neighborhood that’s giving back to them.” Eight hours after he posted his video, the county changed its mind. “They came back … and said, ‘We want you to have your event, we want to work with you, partner and help you go forward.'”

Did it operate in a different manner?  Most certainly - but the event continued, people's needs were met, and Christ was exalted.  Christmas for needy families in the City of Angels was certainly not canceled. 

Sometimes it may look like something for which we have been praying will not take place.  Maybe there are plans that we have made, perhaps needs that we or others around us have. If we are earnestly seeking and praying for the will of God to be done, we can be confident that He is at work.  The answer may not look like we might think it would, but we can be convinced that He is concerned about our needs and will move according to His plan, not ours. 

The answer may not be manifesting itself when we think it should, but isn't that what faith is all about?  "Seeing" into the unseen realm, where God operates - He is a supernatural God and we know that He has not turned His face away from His people.  And, even when the answer is "no," that may not be the end of the story.  He always has His best, which is our best, in mind.  His goal, motivated by His love, is for the greatest glory for His name. 

So, when it looks like the answer isn't coming, that doesn't mean we are to stop praying!  Perhaps we can pray even more diligently and continue to exhibit that solid trust in our strong Savior.  We have experienced our share of cancellation and adaptation during the previous year, but we can know that God is still with us and out of His great love, He is working for our good!