In almost 5 years of ministry in the city of Oakland, this has NEVER happened before. With 15 minutes to go before service started, we've been afraid that it might happen, but it never actually has. It always gets fixed just in time. It always works right when we need it to. The problem is always solved.

But, not today.

OUR PROJECTOR DIDN'T WORK.

You're probably saying to yourself, what's the big deal?

Well, because we are a church that wants to be sensitive to first-time guests, especially those who are new to church, we utilize the projector to help our guests follow along with the different aspects of our service.

We provide lyrics to our songs.
We provide visual aids to our messages.
We provide scripture for our time of corporate prayer.

No projector. No bueno.

And if that wasn't bad enough,

OUR HEATER WAS BROKEN TOO.

And it was cold. Like 50 degrees cold. And for us Bay Area folks, that's cold.

Now, I know there are many of you reading this who do and have done ministry in way worse conditions. Now before you judge me (because I know you are!), I hope you can empathize with the fact that anytime you can't do ministry in the way you are used to doing ministry it can be very frustrating. Frustrating and distracting.

But, I believe God used our hiccups and hangups in today's service to remind me of a lesson that I hope to not forget anytime soon...

IF GOD IS WORKING, IT DOESN'T MATTER IF EVERYTHING ELSE ISN'T.

And on the flip side of that truth...

IF GOD ISN'T WORKING, IT DOESN'T MATTER IF EVERYTHING ELSE IS!

And the truth of the matter is, today, God worked. Today, God moved. Today, God used our broken circumstances to reveal His perfect strength. Today, God glorified Himself through the singing of songs, through the corporate prayer of His saints, through the preaching of His word, and through the power of multiple testimonies! None of these things needed a projector! None of these things needed heat. It would've been nice, but it wasn't necessary!

Just when I think I know what we need to do ministry effectively, God reminds me in only the way that He can that He is not limited by anything.

GOD IS NOT LIMITED BY ANYTHING.

God is not limited by our technology.
God is not limited by our meeting space.
God is not limited by our staff size.
God is not limited by our budget.
God is not limited by our education.
God is not limited by our abilities.
God is not limited by our band.
God is not limited by our resources.
God is not limited by our volunteers.
God is not limited by whatever excuse you have for why you can't do ministry effectively in your context.

GOD IS NOT LIMITED BY ANYTHING.

Now, let's all do ministry from this point forward with the peace and confidence that comes from believing that is the truth!