Over the past few weeks, a number of people have come up to me and asked something along these lines:
“Hey, what’s going on at the new AV property? It seems like things have slowed down?”
Perhaps you’ve driven past the property lately and wondered the same. The short answer is that, although we are continuing to move forward in smaller, less noticeable ways right now (like interior paint and lighting, new flooring, classroom upgrades, and kitchen renovations), we are in fact still waiting for certain plans to be approved in order to move ahead with the bigger, more noticeable changes (like a parking lot, landscaping plans, and interior structural changes). Once these plans are approved by the Town of Apple Valley, we will start seeing things take more obvious shape. In the meantime, we wait. Which I know none of us ever really likes to do. But while we’re at it, let’s make the most of it and view it as an opportunity to pray. I know that many of you have been doing this already, but for those who maybe haven’t… I want to encourage you to start!
Yes, as we wait on plans and permits to be approved for our new AV church property, would you “Stop & Take Five”? That is, take five intentional minutes each day to pause and go to the Lord on behalf of this important project. While we may be waiting on certain things in order to move forward, we know that God is always at work in the details and behind the scenes. And His timing is perfect. So, let’s be a people who respond to waiting, not with worry or frustration, but with prayer, trust, and expectancy.
Here are some specific ways you can pray:
1. PRAY for favor, open doors & a clear path
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17)
Pray for favor with town officials, planners, inspectors, and decision-makers.
Ask God to remove any obstacles, confusion, or delays in the permitting process.
Pray for smooth communication, timely responses, and wisdom in every step.
Ask the Lord to open doors and make the path forward clear.
2. PRAY that we would grow in trust, patience & unity in the waiting
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)
Pray that we would trust God’s timing even when progress feels slow.
Ask God to guard hearts from discouragement, frustration, and cynicism.
Pray for deep unity among pastors, staff, volunteers, and the church body.
Ask the Lord to use this waiting season to deepen prayer, dependency, and faith.
3. PRAY for wisdom, provision & faithful stewardship
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God.” (James 1:5a)
Pray for wisdom in every decision involving renovations, finances, timelines, and partnerships.
Ask God to provide every needed resource, worker, contractor, and solution.
Pray for faithful stewardship and integrity throughout the entire process.
Ask the Lord to guide leaders with clarity, discernment, and peace.
4. PRAY for gospel impact & fruitful future ministry
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
Pray that this property would become a light for the gospel in Apple Valley.
Ask God to prepare hearts now for future salvation, discipleship, and lives that honor Jesus.
Pray that generations of people would encounter Christ through the ministry of High Desert Church.
Ask the Lord to use this entire process for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
Perhaps it’s times like these that God wants to grow us in dependency and faithfulness; to set our sights upward and remember that He is always at work. Let’s not waste this season through idle waiting. But instead, let’s remain steadfast in our seeking of the Lord during this time, expecting great things from Him both now and in the days ahead.
It’s going to be good!
As of the writing of this post we have raised $846,906.89 towards the Home to Call our Own Campaign.
If you would like to join the project you can give at the link below:
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