Dear SCC & Friends,
Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all. ~Psalm 34:19
Update #77
I hope you’re not in affliction (distress or pain), but if you are, be encouraged… For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. ~Philip. 2:13 God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. ~C.S. Lewis Pain like the wind is invisible, and though we can’t really see it we certainly feel the effects whether it’s physical or emotional. Only a masochist would seek pain. Some have disciplined themselves to endure pain for a higher good or noble purpose… like Navy Seals or a dedicated athlete going through the painful process of rehab… The truth is life begins with pain. Eve had this promise …In pain you shall bring forth children… ~Gen. 3:16 Pain remains central to the process of life… Adam also had a promise… By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, because from it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return. ~Gen. 3:19Those words offer little or no encouragement except they foreshadow that which will overcome all our pain and suffering. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… ~1 Pet. 1:3
As a pastor, it has been my privilege to see your faith and God’s faithfulness. Many of us have experienced difficult and painful times. Yet in the struggle, the Lord strengthens us through comfort. It’s been said some virtues are only seen in affliction. …the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ~2 Cor. 1:3-4 We are called to be both comforted and to comfort others… a friend, neighbor, family member or even a stranger. We can do this! Jesus made many wonderful promises, not the least of which is life and life more abundantly. He also made sobering promises that are equally valid… In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. ~John 16:33 We are further reminded that trial and testing are part of life. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you… ~1 Pet. 4:12Take courage… He has overcome the world… Nothing is wasted… Keep up the good work!
Blessed be His name,
Kevin