“I thank my God in all my remeberance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of you partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ…And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,”

Philippians 1:3-6, 9 (NLT)

GRATEFULLY LOOKING AHEAD

Truly great athletes often have an aspirational drive that is baffling to regular people. People like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, and Kobe Bryant all had an insatiable drive to be the best.

In addition to winning countless games and championships, players like this also eventually get selected to the Hall of Fame in their respective sports. I used to love watching the videos of former NFL Hall of Fame CEO David Baker when he would “knock on the door” of former players over Super Bowl weekend. That knock would set off an eruption of joy from those inside as they knew good news was coming.

Baker would address the players in an interesting way—by thanking them not only for all they had done for the game but also for all they were going to do—before officially welcoming them to the Hall of Fame. I always liked the idea behind this: while your achievements up to this point led you here, there is still work to be done now that you are here.

This past Sunday, we got to celebrate as a church family our renovations. The upgrades to the Compass building and the new additions are an answered prayer for many and provide us as a church family with an incredible opportunity to grow NorthStar’s impact and reach in the community.

It would, of course, be appropriate to overflow with gratitude and joy, marveling at what God has done for us! Famed pastor and theologian Charles Spurgeon once put it like this:

“Has the Lord been gracious to you and inclined His ear to the voice of your prayer? Then thank Him as long as you live. Let the ripe fruit fall upon the fertile soil from which it drew its life. Do not fail to sing in praise of Him who has answered your prayer and has given you the desire of your heart.”

So yes, we should be glad! But in the spirit of David Baker, we have reached a wonderful moment—with more work yet to do. So, absorb this welcome-home party and be grateful for how far the Lord has brought us and all He has accomplished. But as you think and pray about this new physical footprint, be hopeful and intentional about asking the Lord to increase and grow His spiritual footprint in our community!

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.