By: Craig Rippy


  How long before we get there, mom? Are we there yet? Dad, can you drive faster? Yes, most of us have heard questions like these. Impatience and expectations cause children to irritate their parents with hurriedness.  

  I find myself being the same as a child in my impatience and expectations. I believe God has no problem with Solid Rock having additional room for classes or even for auditorium space. But, apparently we aren't there yet. Do you think God gets irritated with us as we continue to say, "Are we there yet?"  

    From what Scripture says we are to continue to pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). God isn't irritated. The question is, are we frustrated by the lack of progress?  

    John tells us that if we pray within God's will He hears us and we will have what we ask of Him (1st John 5:14-15). We believe God will honor His word. So, we can be patient and wait with hope for what we continue to request of Him.  

    When it comes to prayer we need to be consistent and persistent. This applies to all prayer; such as for more classroom space. As a congregation we should be unified concerning our need and as a body be in prayer, asking God to supply the space. It is as if we are lifting up one voice to God on the issue (Acts 5:24).  

    God will answer at the right time for the greatest blessing. The Apostle Paul wanted to spread the gospel in the provinces of Asia and Bithynia, but the timing wasn't right, and God sent him to Macedonia. Paul was willing to obeyChrist's commission to "Go" and "Preach the gospel." God directed Paul on the path to evangelistic success. Paul followed and was successful.  

    God is directing us to success as well. There are at least three things God is directing Solid Rock Christians to do for success.  

  First, God is directing us to draw near to Him (Hebrews 7:18-19). He has planned from the beginning to be the God of the Church of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:20-21). He implemented the plan, making it possible for mankind to enjoy nearness to Himself (Ephesians 2:13). Yet, each person must make the effort to draw near to Him. We must follow His direction for success in this relationship.  

  Second, God is directing us to draw near to other Christians (Ephesians 2:14-18). In Romans chapter twelve we find three ways to draw near to one another. 1st ) Verse 10: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love." 2nd ) Verse 10: "Honor one another above yourselves." 3rd ) Verse16: "Live in harmony with one another." We should be active in pursuing nearness to one another. Hebrews 10:24:-25 reminds of that, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching." -NIV-  

  Third, God is directing us to fulfill the command of Jesus to spread the gospel message to the world around us (Matthew 28:19-20). As we obey our commission to win people to Christ we will need more space to train those won to draw nearer to God and to other Christians. As we accomplish what God is directing us to do, pray for better and larger facilities to handle our expanding ministry needs. Be patient, God is the Director.