Good Morning All,
Titus 3:14; “Our people should also learn how to set an example by doing good things when urgent needs arise so that they can live productive lives.”
The area pastors get together about once a
month. We share a meal, a Bible study, a
few laughs and then how to deal with “hard conversations.” You know those conversations that you have
with members or people who come to you for help or advice. It might be them or a spouse or parent or
child involved. That one is very
hard. Yet you rely on what you have,
God’s mercy found in the cross. We
always look to the cross for God’s perfect example of his love for us. I don’t look forward to those conversations
but you can work through them. The
conversation that I have the most trouble with is when someone, usually an
elderly member, asks, “Why am I still here?”
That one is hard. You can see and hear the sadness in their
voice and in their eyes. They usually
sigh and are tired. The ironic thing is
that this statement is rarely, if ever, based in some fatalistic gloom. It is usually based in faith. They have usually been quite active and now
see their roles as diminished even nonexistent.
They sit in their room and wonder what can I do anymore. Am I just a burden? And it isn’t always older people who can be
overwhelmed by this feeling. It is easy
to look around the world and wonder “what good am I?”
This is the verse I like
to use. I like to use it when I feel
overwhelmed and passed by as well. God
made us; he gave us a path and he placed good works in that path for us to
do. You don’t have to solve the world’s
problems or even do what you did a few years ago; you need to look to
today. Maybe you used to lead the church
choir but now you only sing with a grandchild; isn’t that just as
important? Maybe you used to teach
dozens and now only a couple; aren’t they just as important? God uses us according to his plan and his
will. Don’t try to understand it; you
will only get a headache or even some heartache.
God has a plan and is
guiding down that path and the opportunities might be different, even less in
the world’s view, but it is part of God’s plan.
So instead of reaching dozens or influencing hundreds; touch the life of
one person today. It might be your
spouse, your child, the neighbor, the young man who mows the lawn; whoever God
places in your path today; touch them with God’s grace. Share God’s love with them. Enjoy God’s love for you. Take time to think about all that God has
done for you today and what that means for tomorrow. As we reflect about what God has done, what
he is doing and what he promises to do for tomorrow. God gives us the path and he gives us the
tools and he gives us the opportunities to do those works which he lays out for
us. Why are you still here? Because God
still has wonders for you to experience.
Dearest Father, so often
we feel overwhelmed by life; by our struggles with the way we feel our life
proceeds. Give us the understanding to
see and the patience to trust in your gracious will. Give your special love to those who are truly
wondering why they are here. Give them
that true peace and comfort which only you can give. In Jesus’ precious name we pray; amen.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Bret
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