Once again many parts of Australia find themselves in lockdown. Sydney, in particular, looks like being in some form of lockdown for quite some time. The University administration has announced that classes will be online until early September at least. This feels like a real blow to the EU ministry having been online all of 2020 and only returned to in-person gatherings on campus this year. Moving AnCon online for the second year in a row (and this time with just 2 weeks notice) has also been saddening. Speaking to the EU staff last week I reminded them of three biblical truths to encourage them in this unexpected and unwanted return to the land of Zoom. I hope they are encouraging to you as well.

The LORD is sovereign and not surprised

The LORD’s throne is established in heaven and his kingdom rules over all (Ps 103.19). It is the LORD who establishes our steps, though we might plan this or that (Prov 16.9; 20.24). So, our Father is not surprised by the impact COVID19 is having and it certainly is not beyond his sovereign control.

This is not too much for us to bear (with his help)

Our Father promises to never let us be tested beyond what we can bear (1 Cor 10.13). He always provides what we need to stand firm in the situation, no matter how severe. Though at various times in our lives we may feel the situation is beyond us, his grace is sufficient and his strength made apparent in our perseverance despite weakness. This may be one of those times. Hold on to his promise that this is not beyond us, with his help.

 Our assumption is that ministry online is less effective than in-person. But our Father’s promise is that his Word never returns to him empty.

His work is full of potential, even online

Our assumption is that ministry online is less effective than in-person. But our Father’s promise is that his Word never returns to him empty. Rather, his Word unfailingly accomplishes the purpose he has for it (Is 55.10-11). Whether his Word goes forth on video, podcast, written down or in-person need not make the slightest difference to its effectiveness, if the Lord choose to work powerfully through it. So, online ministry is not merely ‘useful’ as some sort of stop-gap measure. It is full of divine and eternal potential! Whenever we engage in the ministry of God’s Word, including online, we pray and expect that he will achieve his glorious purposes.

Please pray that as we make use of every opportunity to minister God’s Word amongst the USyd students during this lockdown, in both the online AnCon and semester ministry, that he would work powerfully to build his kingdom. And may all the glory go to him.

Rowan Kemp

CEO EU GradsFund