This past year has been a difficult one for our family, physically. An injured back, a broken jaw, and a torn retina to name a few. Yet, these things are so minimal compared to the sufferings of others. This week I have been reminded of the unwavering devotion of a loving family and caring friends, and especially of a faithful God. Tonight I sit here unworthy and humbled, yet inspired to reach beyond my circumstances. So I say thank you. These borrowed words express my feelings tonight especially, I’m reminded about how people can be the avenue God uses to show his covenantal love and faithfulness. As a community of faith and grace, we, as the church, can be direct vehicles of showing God’s provision and protection to others. I think about numerous times in my own life, where the physical presence of a friend or mentor helped me see the depth of God’s love for me, especially during times of deep need and brokenness. I’ve also seen ways that God has provided for me in practical ways through people. These examples challenge me to be open to seeing the needs of others and being open to the way God can use me to meet those needs, in a way that displays God’s love and faithfulness to others. It also challenges me to be open to receiving the provision and protection that God is offering to me through other people. Often times, in my self-sufficiency, and in my “I-can-do-this-on-my-own” kind of thinking, it is difficult for me to fully receive the gifts that God has given me through others. Yet, I am reminded that the giving and receiving of provision and protection from others is a way that God works through faithful people.
Posted on: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:23:26 +0000