When his disciples heard this, they were stunned. “Then who can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them carefully and said, “It’s impossible for human beings. But all things are possible for God.” – Matthew 19:25-26

Rebekah and I enjoyed a special treat Tuesday when Tim Black drove to Tarboro for a visit, along with he and Kelly’s youngest, Titus.

Tim (for those of you who do not know) worked in ministry with Rebekah when we were at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon, Florida. They led what we will always think of as “The Dream Team” staff during an exciting season of growth and creativity and mission.

Rebekah was pastor in Brandon for seventeen years, and the entire experience was remarkable; but the nine she and Tim served together tell the story of what is possible when pastors share vision and enthusiasm and mutual respect and a love for the Gospel (and each other).

I used the words, “The story of what is possible…” and I believe the phrase is a hugely important credo. So often we talk and live in the shadow of the “impossible” – especially in The Church – that impossible is a predetermined conclusion. But we love and serve a God who is interested in a more biblical mindset:

Jesus looked at them carefully and said, “It’s impossible for human beings. But all things are possible for God.” – Matthew 19:26

In Brandon – during those amazing years – Jesus looked at us at every turn, in every ministry initiative, with every often overwhelming life circumstance and said, “Don’t tell me what you can’t do, tell me what you can do, then show me what you will do – and we will take it together from there….” Together. In partnership.

This is the fundamental approach that God still invites us to live into today. There may be challenges and circumstances and people (especially people!) where we cannot imagine anything other than disappointment and failure, but God’s word to all of us is still, “Yes!”

For Rebekah and for me it is the “yes” that has defined every year of our life together. And those nine years Rebekah and Tim lived into that belief for the church in Brandon were such a resounding “YES” it still echoes today!

God’s Son, Jesus Christ, is the one who was preached among you by us—through me, Silvanus, and Timothy [and Rebekah]—he wasn’t yes and no. In him it is always yes. All of God’s promises have their yes in him. That is why we say Amen through him to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1: 19-20

Yes! Amen! – DEREK