by Rebecca Kocsis

I’ve often joked with friends about our faith-based organization – that CHEA is faith-based with an emphasis on “faith”. It seems we are always in need in one way or another; whether it be finances, or board members, or volunteers, or personnel with a specific skill set, and more. We are always needing to trust the Lord for something.

I know many of you are in the same place—especially this time of year. You have team members who have committed to serving again next year, but some have said no. The absence of their contributions will be missed. Groups are trying to fill board positions—you have been trying to fill those for years. A few groups are perilously close to having to consider how they can go on because if they lose one more board member, they will be in violation of their by-laws. Or you are wracking your brain to find creative ways to keep your community’s time-honored traditions, with the limited help that you have.

I am convinced the Lord allows us to be in these places of need—or weakness, if you will—for good reason. Therese reasons are good for your soul. 

• We must acknowledge our limitations. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
• We remember the source of supply for all our organization’s needs. God supplies our needs, not people. The Lord often uses people as a vehicle. However, people are never the source. Philippians 4:19
• He wants us to rely on Him. He is the vine and we are the branches. Apart from Him we can do nothing. We leaders tend to be an independent lot and are prone to forget that. John 15:5
• He keeps us in a place of need to keep us in His Word. That’s where we can hear His voice. When I wander off in my own direction, I invariably get into trouble. When I am dependent on His Word, I am in a better place to receive His direction. John 10:27

When we take stock of our resources and come up short, God wants us to lean on Him in faith. Remember, as faith-based organizations, He is concerned not just in how we execute our mission statements, but in our spiritual growth. He’s infinitely more interested in people than programs. While we are busy leading our groups, God is busy refining our faith.

If we find ourselves back in a familiar place of need, remember the lessons the Lord taught you the last time you were here. How did He meet you? Was He faithful? Can you trust Him? I know it can be wearying, frustrating, and discouraging. Our God does not change. He’ll be just as faithful today as He was then. His means of supplying may look different. His timeline may be different. However, He will answer your prayers. You can depend on that. 

“But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10