Surrounded by Grace

The old saying goes something like, “When life hands you lemons, make some lemonade.” We all face things that upset the flow of our lives or bring on uncertainty – an illness, loss of job, unexpected car repair bills, relationship struggles, and the list goes on and on. Life can hand us plenty of “lemons.” It is how we respond to life’s lemons that build our character.

Sometimes the local church body experiences some would be lemons – offerings go down, attendance is struggling, longtime members leave, building plans don’t get off the ground, etc. Recently the church I pastor has experienced some pressure from another church, which is in route to becoming a mega church, to acquire our property for their future expansion. Over the last several years they have managed to gobble up 40+ acres that surround our little two acre parcel. It just so happens that our property is located on the corner to two major roads – hence, their interest in our property.

For the past year our church leadership has been evaluating our options. After much research and prayer, the decision was made to continue at our current location. Needless to say there are those who were concerned that we will be overshadowed and eaten up by the mega church. Our response has been simple. Since the church that is building around us has the word “Grace” in their name, we have a new slogan: “We are surrounded by Grace.” What a comforting thought. It takes the sourness of the lemon and makes it palatable.