More

This morning as I was praying I was impressed by the phrase in Romans 8, "We are more than conquerors". As I thought about it I began to think of it a little differently than I have in the past. It was the word 'more' that caught my attention. If we are more than conquerors, then it means that conquering is just the beginning.

The definition of conquer is to successfully overcome. I like that word 'successfully'. It is easy for me to become overwhelmed with all of the hard things going on around me and in our world. I've been sick, which I am sure that many of you can say the same thing. In the middle of that there is the feeling of being overwhelmed with all of the problems and obstacles that loom before us. We struggle with divisiveness, hatred, wars, crime, violence, immorality and anger. The list goes on. But Paul tells us that those things are not really the issue. We are to move on from there and to walk as the victor who comes in and claims the territory. Makes it our own. We are to be the light of the world, bear the first fruits of the spirit, and set the captives free. Expand God's kingdom and bring glory to Him. Now that gets me pumped up. It excites me to think that I will not just overcome all of this darkness, but that I will be part of the solution.

I believe strongly that the PARC is part of the solution. We provide stability and structure in this chaotic  world. Those who come find hope in a world that feels hopeless. Love and acceptance when they believe that they have no value. Accomplishment when all they have known is failure. Possibilities become a realtiy when all good things seemed impossible. We successfully overcome and then begin to claim the territory.

You may have heard that we met our goal for our building campaign!! Can you believe it?  Construction will begin very soon. I am nervous, overwhelmed and so very excited. We have the ability and potential to not only be overcomers, but to change and set in motion changed lives and thus our city. I believe this with all my heart. God has placed us here to be more than conquerors. He has placed us here, in this place of growth and expansion, to successfully overcome and be the solution. This is indeed an exciting time to be a part of the PARC and all the life-changing, world-changing that God is doing through the PARC. I am so grateful to be on this journey with you.