Late Sunday night I spoke with a member of Little Church whom I dearly love. She shared with me how tough life had been and how she was just hanging in there, even having moments of doubt. What was God up to? Did she want to continue on in a certain direction? Uncertainty and a little frustration clouded everything. But she would keep going. She wasn’t giving up.
I can’t express enough how proud I am of those who hold on to God in the midst of severe hardships, who don’t give in, don’t bail out. Who actually live in a verse that has meant more to me the past couple of years than any other verse in Scripture. It’s Paul’s declaration at the end of his life, a summary of all he’d been through, an inspiration of such magnitude it has gripped my heart over and over: “I have fought the good fight; I have stayed the course; I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
My friend was just one of many who have found life very tough recently. Perhaps that’s you. Perhaps that’s me. Here’s what I suggest. Never doubt how much God loves you. It’s this love that will carry you through, keep you going. Trust God when nothing makes sense. Know God has His purposes for everything that comes our way. Believe. Hope. Persevere. Endure. One day you will understand just how important this time of your life has been.
Prayer Focus This Week – As I was speaking on Sunday I looked over the church and was moved by all those who were there. Pray that God blesses Little Church by the Sea, grows us as a body, protects us from any plans or strategies of the enemy, and grows us into a temple of His dwelling. (Ephesians 3:21,22)
Finally: “Blessed be the Lord for He hears the voice of my prayers. The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him and I am helped, therefore my heart is full of joy.” Psalm 28:6,7
Sending a double portion of God’s love to all of you.
Pastor Jay