Even if I Feel Stupid

I love the PARC. I am thankful for the PARC, but the journey has been difficult. There have been many battles and many, many victories. It makes sense when you think about the people to whom we are extending the love and acceptance of God to. It is enemy territory and it is hard! However, I am so very grateful that God has allowed me to get to do this. He has infused me with vision, purpose and passion that is undeniable, and there again lies the struggle.

This morning I read a verse, "Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the the events took place so suddenly."2 Chron. 29:36 If you have had any conversations with me recently you will have heard me express my frustration at how what is happening at the PARC right now isn't what I believe that God is saying about our future. The board and I both believe that God is telling us to build and prepare because 'they are coming'. When they come they will come in hordes, and we need to be ready. When I share that with others I see in their eyes that they too believe that. But, our numbers are low. Where are they? Why isn't our room overflowing? I have a tendency to get frustrated and discouraged.

On the other hand God has blessed us far beyond what we have ever been blessed. Our finances are healthy and strong (which is a huge miracle), we have the best volunteers and incredible and highly qualified teachers. Our classes are amazing! Donations are up. I can see God's hand. I can see His preparation for what He is about to do. So, what is the problem?

Do you want to know the truth? I feel stupid. When I look into the room and say, "We have to build. They are coming" I sometimes feel silly. That's the thing about faith. We have to do things that don't seem to make sense. We have to do things before we can see it, and often it makes us feel stupid. (I know that doesn't sound very Christian. It's just my truth.) Today I was very encouraged by this verse, The people were prepared because God did it suddenly. We have to be ready, because when God does it He will do it quickly and we have to be ready. Our community needs the PARC. Those who are homeless need the love and acceptance of the PARC; to have a place that is safe and gives them hope. I will keep standing in faith even if sometimes I 'feel stupid' because I believe in the PARC. Let us all stand and fight together so that we can be prepared.