I will never forget him saying, “Graystone Church is worshipping God in a garage.” It was true. You could see the huge bay garage doors on the walls in the church auditorium. Graystone Church began with humble beginnings.
In October of 2016 Graystone Church celebrated our 12 Year Anniversary. Graystone has come a long way since that first Sunday in the warehouse or “garage”. God’s hand has always been on Graystone, and He has given us tremendous favor in the community. It’s hard to believe all God has done at Graystone in 12 short years. We are now one church with 3 permanent church facilities located in Gwinnett, Walton and Oconee counties.
When we first started Graystone, I said, “If God would use us to change one person’s life for all eternity, it would be worth starting the church.” Well, over the years, we have seen God change thousands of lives for all eternity. In fact, over 1000 people have crashed the waters of baptism at Graystone and made public professions of faith in Jesus Christ. God has answered our prayers and truly done immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
It is amazing what God can do with a small step of faith. Jesus said if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, then He can move mountains through us. I wonder what is going on in your life? Are you starting something small? Are you beginning with humble beginnings? Well, that is where most things start…small.
If you want to do something great in life, it begins with a small step of faith. If you never take that first step, it will not happen. So many people are waiting for God to move, and then they will step out in faith. Well, faith doesn’t work that way. And if God has already moved, then there really is no faith involved. God is waiting for us to step out in faith, and then He will move.
We see this pattern over and over in the Bible. One story that illustrates this is found in the Old Testament book of Joshua. The Nation of Israel had to cross the Jordan River during flood season in order to enter the Promised Land. God instructed the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the raging Jordan River. Once they stepped into the river, God stopped the flowing waters, and 3.5 million Israelites crossed over on dry land. But God did not dam up the waters until the priests took a step of faith.
Every great move of God begins with a step of faith. Unfortunately, most Christians are waiting for God to move, and then they will trust Him. God is waiting for us to take a step of faith, and then He will move mountains. He wants to do miracles in our lives. God wants to do great things in and through us. We simply need to be faithful and obedient to Him.
So, what is God calling you to do? Where do you need to take a step of faith? It will probably start small with humble beginnings. But God can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). And when He moves in our lives, let’s be sure to give Him all the glory.
Jonathan Howes has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Jacksonville State University and a Master in Divinity Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the lead pastor for Graystone Church. Locations include the Ozora Campus: 1551 Ozora Road | Loganville, GA 30052 and the Walton Campus: 723 N Broad St Monroe, GA 30655.
Phone: (770) 466-3159
Email: info@graystonechurch.com
Website: GraystoneChurch.com
Blog: http://toliveischrist.cc
Twitter: @JohnnyHowes
