Thus Far the Lord has Helped Us

This weekend, several of Eden's leaders stepped away from the usual rhythms of life and ministry for our annual Leadership Retreat. We worshiped, ate together, laughed, prayed, listened, shared, walked outside, and—perhaps most importantly—tried to make space to listen to our Good Shepherd together.

Jesus says in John 10, "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me... I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also."

We practiced Lectio Divina with these words, listening slowly for what Jesus might be saying to us. Later, we went outdoors for Visio Divina, asking God to use creation to help us notice what He might be doing among us at Eden. We returned and began "mapping the garden" through four images: Seed, Root, Fruit, and Soil Tending.

Where are we seeing seeds of something new?

Where are roots growing deeper?

Where is God already producing fruit?

And where might the soil need some tending?

As we listened to one another, several themes kept emerging. Discipleship and community cannot be separated—we grow best together. We need the Holy Spirit for everything. We don't want to simply develop good plans; we want to become a Spirit-led people rather than people led by our own strength and desires. And we heard again the heart of our Good Shepherd: care deeply for the sheep entrusted to us, while never forgetting the sheep who are still lost and need to be found.

But before we rushed toward, "What should we do next?" we did something Scripture continually teaches God's people to do:

We remembered.

We looked back over this past year and noticed where God has been present, where He has provided, where people have grown, where relationships have deepened, where new seeds have been planted, and where fruit has appeared that none of us could have produced on our own.

Psalm 103 begins:

"Let all that I am praise the LORD;may I never forget the good things he does for me."

Do not forget.

Throughout Scripture, God's people are repeatedly called to remember. Before Israel enters the Promised Land, Moses reminds them where they have been and who brought them there. Before they move forward, they are called to look backward and remember God's faithfulness.

Because remembering changes how we enter what comes next.

When we forget, we begin to believe everything depends upon us.

When we remember, we recognize that God was already at work before we arrived.

When we forget, ministry becomes something we manufacture.

When we remember, ministry becomes participation in what the Holy Spirit is already doing.

When we forget, we can become anxious about whether we have enough people, enough resources, enough ideas, or enough strength.

When we remember, we say with the psalmist:

"The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love."

As Eden prepares to enter another ministry year, perhaps our first question isn't, "What are we going to do?"

Perhaps it is:

"Good Shepherd, what are You doing—and how are You inviting us to join You?"

We are sheep before we are shepherds.

Branches before we are fruit-bearers.

Recipients before we are givers.

People loved by the Father before we ever accomplish anything for Him.

Jesus told His disciples, "The Father himself loves you dearly." He promised them the Holy Spirit and told them that the Spirit would bear witness to Him. Then Jesus invited His disciples to join that witness.

That is still our calling.

There are sheep to care for.

There are lost sheep to find.

There are seeds to plant.

There are roots to deepen.

There is fruit to celebrate.

There is soil that needs tending.

And none of it depends ultimately upon our ability to make something grow.

God brings the growth.

So as we enter a new ministry year, may we become a community that remembers what God has done, listens for the voice of our Good Shepherd, depends completely upon the Holy Spirit, and follows wherever Jesus leads.

"Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me."

Remembering with you,

Pastor T

Reflect Together

1. Remember: As you look back over the past year at Eden or in your own life, where can you recognize God's presence, provision, or faithfulness?

2. Notice: Think about the four garden images—Seed, Root, Fruit, Soil Tending. Which image best describes what God seems to be doing in your life right now? What about in our life together at Eden?

3. Listen: Jesus says, "I know my own sheep, and they know me." Where might our Good Shepherd be leading us as we enter this next season? Who are the sheep He may be asking us to care for—or to go and find?

Spiritual Practice — Garden Mapping

Our leadership team practiced a version of this together at our retreat. This week, make some quiet space with God. If possible, go outside—to a garden, park, backyard, or somewhere you can notice creation.

Begin by praying:

"Holy Spirit, help me notice what You are already doing."

Then slowly consider these four words:

SEED — What is God planting?Is there a new invitation, relationship, ministry, desire, or possibility beginning to emerge? Don't force it to grow. Simply notice the seed.

ROOT — Where is God inviting me deeper?Where do I need to become more deeply rooted in Christ, Scripture, prayer, community, or trust?

FRUIT — What has God already grown?Look backward and give thanks. Where can you see evidence of God's grace and transformation? Name it. Celebrate it. Remember.

SOIL TENDING — What needs attention?Is there something that needs to be watered, cultivated, surrendered, repaired, rested, or perhaps pruned so that healthy growth can continue?

Don't finish by making a long list of things to accomplish.

Finish by listening.

"Good Shepherd, I am listening. What are You doing? Where are You leading? How are You inviting me to follow?"

Then wait.

We don't have to manufacture the next season.

We get to listen for the Shepherd and follow.