For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel for his own special treasure.”Psalm 135:4 NLT

Our Heavenly Father has chosen us for Himself. Each church group, and each person within that group, is a special treasure, a prized possession to Him. He gave us His own Son so that we might be redeemed. 

As many of you who follow us on Instagram know, we have had a very blessed weekend celebrating the 25th anniversary of the opening of our church building. We had an afternoon and evening filled with activity, and it was great to see our church so busy all day. 

One of the things I enjoyed doing in preparation for this event was collating all the dates and places when people first came to us, to form a timeline from the beginning of our fellowship until the present day. Over the years we have seen hundreds, if not thousands, come through our doors. Many of these have worshipped with us, whilst others came to observe or to find out more. Some received help, some we never saw again, some returned to their churches whilst a remnant remained with us and joined our church family. 

Our timeline didn’t show all those who had come through our doors but it did show when each member of our fellowship joined us and when the work began in the various towns surrounding Cumbernauld. I noticed one lady as she stood reading the names weeping. She was so moved at how our church family has grown over the years. Another said to me, “You must be a very proud Mama.” 

However, for me, it brought back some very painful memories as well as some very happy ones. 

The work of God doesn’t come without paying a price. Our Lord Jesus bore the ultimate price on the Cross but before His death He said to His own: 

“A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.”
John 15:20 TLV

We are, certainly, not greater than Christ but we are simply His servants. Over the years “all kinds of evil” has been spoken against us. I have not always gotten everything right, although I have always tried to do my best in any situation and I have learned from my mistakes. Some have been offended at the stand I have taken for Christ. Indeed, it has not been an easy road. 

It made me realise that whilst others looked on marvelling at the growth of the work of God I saw things from a slightly different angle. I looked on with a mixture of pain and pleasure. 

I don’t have a great sense of achievement but I do have a drive to see the work that I have been called to do completed whilst I still have strength. 

I became aware amid the pain and pleasure of the depth of the love of God for me. Despite my mistakes, He has loved me through it all. I am His special treasure - called and chosen by God. 

Having confidence in the love of God is the only way I have been able to cope with the difficulties that have come our way. Whether we are congratulated or criticised we are still loved by Him. It is what keeps me going. 

More than this: it is what has drawn each soul who has come through our doors. The love of God is the only thing that has held us together as a fellowship for over 30 years. We have all become conscious we are chosen, a special treasure to Him. 

As the years roll on no matter what life throws our way let us keep this in the forefront of our minds so that the work may continue to grow and bring glory to His Name. 

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35 TLV