Nothing Withheld

Just one week ago an EF4 and an EF 3 tornado his Rowlett, TX and Garland, TX.  Both cities sustained extensive damage.  Homes were devastated,  11 people lost their lives, and the cities were left in shock and awe.  The most amazing thing about the tornado's aftermath was that though more than 600 homes were destroyed, the death toll was limited to only 11.  As you read this you may think the statement is diminutive of those who lost their lives.  On the contrary.  The loss of life is always devastating.  More-so, the families left mourning are not just mourning the loss of their loved ones, they are also trying to figure out how to put their homes back together.  However, in a storm this intense, to have only lost 11 people is simply miraculous.  

Equally miraculous was the outpouring of selflessness from both of these communities.  Every day since the tornadoes, people have volunteered to help with the clean-up.  Companies have stepped in to tarp roofs for free, donations of materials, boxes, food, water, and money have poured in.  Churches and emergency response people have assisted from the very beginning. To name all of those who came forward to volunteer is truly innumerable. 

The volunteers who assisted the tornado victims all had the same purpose in mind.  Their sole purpose was to assist those in need.  Pastor Joyce writes of the church and their call to come together as one.  When we step into God's perfect plan nothing is withheld.  

Nothing Withheld

At the Word of God all things were created.  Mankind chose to exalt themselves with their own accomplishments (“Let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves.” Genesis 11:4) God said, “Let us go down and confuse their language. With swift action He stopped the prideful ambitions of man and broke their ability to communicate. 

He said that when they were in agreement with one another nothing would be withheld from them.  Interestingly they could have had it all if they were in agreement with God’s plans instead of their own. When man tries to accomplish great things based on their own agenda they are limited as to how far they can go before God intervenes and changes their course.

On the other hand when our plans are in line with God’s word and His will regardless of how mysterious it may appear He causes His own to rise above the flood waters and bring new life into that which would otherwise lay barren.  In the days of old He accomplished His purpose through one man who was willing to listen and act upon what He heard.

Today He is calling for a collective body, the church to hear what He is saying and carry out His plans together.  Jesus has drawn His body into a place where, if in unity they will work, they will govern the earth.  We have heard Him speak through the mouth of the prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers and apostles that in He will establish His government on the earth to which there shall be no end.

The hour has come when God will not work through individuals who are not connected to His will and purpose.  His word is our road map to the future there is no limit to what we can do together and nothing will be withheld from us.  Learning to work in unison with God and His people is our highest calling.