Can I Only Imagine?

By Emerson Work

Since our I Can Only Imagine (ICOI) Sunday, I’ve been thinking about that phrase.  It takes on different meaning when you change the emphasis on the words.  Try it… Say it once emphasizing the “I.” Try again but put the emphasis on “only;” or again, with the emphasis on “imagine.”

I think I prefer the emphasis on “imagine” and that sense of endless possibilities.  When the focus is on the word “only,” I’m struck by my own limitations.  Matthew, however, reminds us that Jesus said, “…with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26).  How reassuring that is, and how encouraging to know we are not bound by our limitations and shortcomings when we stop living for ourselves, for our stuff , and follow Christ. 

Sometimes I have trouble really imagining how things could be because I’m too practical, too economical.  I can’t really grasp God’s infinite, incomprehensible greatness.  Since Sunday, however, I’ve really been thinking about what our church ministries would look like when funds are freed from servicing debt and available to do God’s work. I am imagining:

v  the day when our dedicated Youth space above the Family Life Center is completed 

v  when we can have a Middle School Praise Team, as well as the High School Praise Team, and they can leave their equipment in place for impromptu worship sessions, or rehearsing new songs 

v  when we can have space for small group Bible studies at various times throughout the week, more space for the large group on Wednesday nights, and space where students and youth staff can hang out and invite friends to without having to book a room in advance  

v  when we have more resources for curriculum, speakers, or guest artists who will challenge students to grow deeper and develop their spiritual gifts  

v  when we have a finished kitchen and more opportunities for eating together and getting to know one another 

v  when we could host dinners for families that are enjoyable, inexpensive nights out, and yet could also help us raise funds for more students to attend Momentum and retreats 

v  When we can have lunch with visiting missionaries and hear more about their experiences firsthand

v  And the list is just beginning…Let’s keep imagining, thinking, and praying about these things.