Life as a Christian is never easy, and Jesus never promised it would be. In fact, He promised the opposite. Nevertheless, this does not mean that Christians should enjoy or seek trials, or worse yet, criticize those who do suffer. Suffering is just a part of this fallen and broken world, where people sin and are sinned against. It will either draw you closer to Jesus, or become an excuse for you to run from Jesus. I choose to run to Jesus, which is why I am asking for prayer.The past couple weeks have been really difficult for the family and ministry. While the church continues to grow and prepare for a larger, more sufficient, ministry venue, it has also been suffered pride issues. Instead of everyone coming to church to give, the majority have come to simply take. As a result, volunteers and offerings are down or plateaued. We've prayed, and I've preached a sermon on the topic, but it comes down to the heart of the people; and that is God's turf.
Additionally, our home has become an infirmary. Since early Fall, there has not been a time when all of us have been well. Sinus congestion, colds, and everything else have been persistent and there seems to be no end in sight. We have adjusted our habits, bought stock in Purell, and have gone from embracing to "fist-bumping," but still the sickness remains. We need divine intervention.
Again, we know there is a purpose in all of this to save even more people here in NYC. It's not the personal suffering that bothers, as it is so much the suffering of others, the Mrs. and the kids. May God grant His power and provision in revealing His healing.
Amen?
