Green Shoots - Pastor's Pen for 6th April 2025

Looking towards Manuka Reserve - Kaipatiki

A colleague was talking to me about directions in ministry. There are so many things that could be done, but should they be? Scripture always guides us in these matters, if we take the time to sit with it, and invite the Holy Spirit to enliven our thoughts.

In Isaiah 43 we read; "Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honour me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen

people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise." (v 18-21)

There is always a sense in scripture that God leads His people faithfully, that a way will be found. When water comes to the desert, green shoots will emerge. As I write this, the sky is providing some much needed rain for parts of our country, including Auckland. No doubt things will green up a bit, and the farmers will be pleased for a while. Our dams might get a top-up.

My colleague advised me to look for the stirrings of signs of life in ministry, for green shoots of optimism. It's fortunate that we have those here at Forrest Hill. Look around and see where God is leading us as Speakezy feeds into Mainly Music, Alpha, Bible study, table tennis and church participation. Sunday School germinates once more. May God continue to encourage us with green shoots, and may we be open to the leading of the Spirit, as we discern streams in the desert. Shalom