1-27-2022

 Good Morning All,

Acts 2: 11; “We hear these men in our own languages as they tell about the miracles that God has done.”   

    I am, what you might call, a low-end shopper. You will not find a Brooks Brothers suit in my closet. I am a Wal-Mart, Shopko, even the local farm supply store if the price is right kind of guy. I am always tempted by those “one size fits all” outfits. I will walk away a few times but will eventually succumb to the temptation. After all, I don’t have to figure out if I am a large, an extra-large, an extra-large, long, or whatever; after all, one size fits all.

     I know this never works; but once, just once, it should. Yet when I get it home; the one size that fits all either will fit 6-8 people in it comfortably or it looks like I have been stuffed in sausage casings! (Trust me this is NOT a good look for me.)  Yet in this world, we go more and more for the idea that “one size fits all.”  We see it in the “cookie cutter” style of housing, food preparation, fashion, or any of a number of things. One size fits all and the world wants us to be satisfied with this. If you are a little different, well that is tough just force yourself to fit in and either wear something that is way too tight or way too big.

     The world will tell you that your faith is the same way, but God tells you something very different. God does not make you have a “one size fits all” relationship. God has a very personal and loving relationship with you. He is YOUR God. He knows how many hairs are on the top of your head and He speaks your language. He knows your needs even before you do. He calls you by name, views you as precious in His eye.

    When we go to God, he already knows what we need and how he will answer us. God speaks to us in our own language and addresses our own specific needs. We do not have to take a number, or schedule a time, or make our needs, our pain or fear fit into some “one size fits all.”  God comes to you, with his love and grace, with all his tender mercy. He comes to you, as you are but he does not leave you as you were. Rather, he redeems us, fixes us up and sets us back on the path which he has laid out for us. We will continue to struggle; that is what a sinful world gives us. Yet we do not struggle alone; we do not face the tests alone. God is there for us in each battle, in each personal struggle; God is there in a personal way giving us his eternal love. He has promised to be with us when going through the rivers or the fires, when facing our adversaries or when our doubts grow large. He will not abandon you. He will not walk away.

Dearest Father, in a world where one size does not fit all you come to me with your personal love and grace. Guard and protect me from the struggles of this day. Be with those who are especially struggling this day. Send your Spirit of comfort and hope to sustain them this day. Keep all your children safe within your loving arms, in Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret