The past couple weeks have been much busier than normal for me. Several families within our congregation have faced great trials and adversity. I have spent much time in the emergency room, the surgical waiting area, by the bedside of those within the hospital, at the funeral home, and even the graveside. These have been difficult and tiring days, both physically and emotionally.
I have looked into the eyes of dear families and witnessed the tears, anxiety, and hurt. I have prayed with them and sought to offer what comfort I could. One would think these were weeks that required much more than they gave, but I have found the opposite to be true. As I spent time with the wonderful families of Fellowship, I witnessed a quiet strength, a determined faith, and a continual offering of praise unto the Lord. These weeks have driven us to our knees in prayer, but they have also allowed us to be lifted up by the abundant grace of our Lord. They were tiring and demanding days physically and emotionally, and yet they have been wonderful days spiritually.
I have noticed over the years that folks tend to expect the pastor to bring comfort to the hurting and offer strength for the weary. I hope I have been able, in some small way to do that, but I have genuinely received more than I have given lately. Spending time with our church family, in the worst of circumstances, I have experienced the best within their lives. I am honored and blessed to be able to serve the fine people of Fellowship. I am thankful for the opportunity to share in their lives.
The busyness hasn't ended, but the blessings continue to flow. It is easy to allow circumstances to hinder our joy, but there is always reason to rejoice!
I want to share a thought that was offered to me this week. Some may have already read this as I shared it earlier on social media, but it has impacted my life. I received a text from one of our ladies giving an update on the status of her father who was in the hospital recovering from major surgery. She ended the text with this:
In the happy moments, praise God.
In the difficult moments, seek God.
In the quiet moments, trust God.
In every moment, thank God.
As difficult as our days may be, we are truly blessed. We can always find God's blessing, even in the midst of trials!!
Preacher Chris
I have looked into the eyes of dear families and witnessed the tears, anxiety, and hurt. I have prayed with them and sought to offer what comfort I could. One would think these were weeks that required much more than they gave, but I have found the opposite to be true. As I spent time with the wonderful families of Fellowship, I witnessed a quiet strength, a determined faith, and a continual offering of praise unto the Lord. These weeks have driven us to our knees in prayer, but they have also allowed us to be lifted up by the abundant grace of our Lord. They were tiring and demanding days physically and emotionally, and yet they have been wonderful days spiritually.
I have noticed over the years that folks tend to expect the pastor to bring comfort to the hurting and offer strength for the weary. I hope I have been able, in some small way to do that, but I have genuinely received more than I have given lately. Spending time with our church family, in the worst of circumstances, I have experienced the best within their lives. I am honored and blessed to be able to serve the fine people of Fellowship. I am thankful for the opportunity to share in their lives.
The busyness hasn't ended, but the blessings continue to flow. It is easy to allow circumstances to hinder our joy, but there is always reason to rejoice!
I want to share a thought that was offered to me this week. Some may have already read this as I shared it earlier on social media, but it has impacted my life. I received a text from one of our ladies giving an update on the status of her father who was in the hospital recovering from major surgery. She ended the text with this:
In the happy moments, praise God.
In the difficult moments, seek God.
In the quiet moments, trust God.
In every moment, thank God.
As difficult as our days may be, we are truly blessed. We can always find God's blessing, even in the midst of trials!!
Preacher Chris
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