Unanticipated...

I love it when God shows up in unanticipated ways.

When we moved to Lakeland, we thought we could see the very near future, at least how God seem to orchestrate jobs, people and the birth of a new church. Most of those things never came to pass.

However, God never quit moving.

Let me share two examples.

First, Due to David and Andrea Wright’s connections with Liberty Tax Service, a local franchisee offered me an opportunity to help run one of his locations. At first, this appeared at odds with being in the community developing relationships to plant the church. However, God has orchestrated conversations so that every day I can share the vision of Hope Church. Imagine that, the conversations begin with your W2 and tax refund and end in a conversation about how God is moving in Lakeland. Very cool.

Second, as we drove around sharing the vision, the question kept coming up, “Where do you want to launch the church?” I have continually stated that a vacant facility (built 5 years ago) which is centrally located on the primary north-south route through Lakeland is the ideal location for us. Unfortunately, that building has been in litigation for a few years after a car dealership abandoned the location. This week, however, the “For Sale” signs were mounted on the exterior of the facility. Now, I have no way of knowing whether this facility will be available when we need to occupy it. I do know what it costs and it would require a miracle to purchase or lease it. But whether it is this facility or another, I am excited about what God is providing for us.

Either way, God is moving in unanticipated ways.

Paul
Hope Church