A Word of Encouragement
One of the things that's been oppressive about this time is the limitations that have been placed on us. It's hard to be told what we can and can't do, isn't it? It's just not something we're used to in this country. For my family, even though we hardly ever used to go out to eat or go to the movies or even gather with friends (yes we come from a long line of boring introverts ), we still feel that loss of freedom. And I know it's much worse for others who are lonely or trapped in difficult living situations. Yet, I know people in our church that have not allowed this time to limit them from being an agent of God's blessing. I've also seen people blessed by the Lord in surprising ways.
Today I just wanted to share some of those blessings that I'm aware of happening within our church. You may be aware of other examples. I think it would be great for us to share these stories with each other by phone, letter, social media, etc. I Thessalonians 5:11 says to "encourage one another and build one another up" and we do this by testifying to the faithful work and reality of God in our lives and in the lives of others. I hope this is an encouragement to you that God is at work in our church family today!
Acts of generosity and service - I am aware of people quietly and generously giving food, money, and supplies to others in the church that have specific needs. I know people who give their time to call, write letters and cards, or email to encourage others, even those they don't normally communicate with. I know some who cook, water plants, sew masks, or take out trash cans for fellow church members. Finally I am aware of one church family providing housing for another church family that was in a difficult situation. Wow! I am constantly amazed by the blessing and generosity of God through His people.
Essential items - As you may know, the church has been collecting and preparing boxes filled with essential items including food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies for needy school families. The response from you, the church family, has been overwhelming. Your generosity and compassion has already blessed 25 families and we still have plenty of food and monies left over to help more people in need. Mercy & Justice Deacon Anne Smith, who has been spearheading the project, mentioned how grateful the school is that our church would help these families and share God's love in this way.
Government help - I know we may not always think of government as being a help but I wanted to share that just in the past couple of months I've heard several things related to government assistance that I think are blessings from God's hand to some in our church. One has been the recent stimulus payment providing much-needed financial help for some. I'm also aware of individuals finally receiving approval for things like food assistance, disability, and unemployment which have been in process for weeks or months, not necessarily even pandemic related. In these most difficult of times, we thank the Lord for His provision for our people.
Spiritual renewal and evangelism - I have been encouraged to hear how some in our church have been spiritually renewed during this time because there's been "space" created in their busy lives (and their families) to grow closer together, to worship the Lord together in their homes, and that some of the media that we've been forced to use to teach and share have strengthened their faith in surprising ways. I know of at least one who received the Lord into their heart! Praise God! Finally, some in our church are sharing God's Word with others by sending the weekly emails and church services to people who do not regularly attend church or may not know the Lord.
These are just some of the stories I'm aware of. Feel free to let me know of others. Our God is an awesome God and, even during difficult times, He is not constrained from blessing people and making His name known! May we not be constrained either. "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." I Timothy 1:17
In Christ,
Pastor Darren
