It's been a difficult couple of months!

 

It has been a DIFFICULT COUPLE OF MONTHS. Our Church has had 8 of its faithful church attenders pass away in the past two months. And through it all our congregation has been strong and standing firm on their faith in God. We have such a loving and caring group of people. Several of them came up to sit with a man who had been given a grim prognosis. We joined together with the family to wait for the hour of his passing. Last night this dear man passed to the arms of Jesus. And like has happened over the past couple of months we will join the time of mourning with the family. We will provide a meal after the funeral and we will support the loved ones who are mourning the loss. God has sent each of us to fulfill those duties of comfort and support. 

"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)

The great news, our congregation does not have to face these heavy burdens alone. God is here to comfort and to carry the load when it just appears the burden is unbearable. I am thankful to have a God ruling my life that understands the stress and strain of loss. He gave up his own Son, watching him face the cross without anyone. He understands our loss, our pain, our burdens and he is a God of action that will not stand by watching us. He takes action. Thank you Lord.

Heavenly Father, continue to watch over our congregation as they face the mounting loss of our loved ones, our friends, and our companions in faith. Give us rest. Give us peace. Give us your joy even in the midst of so much suffering. We love you so much, Lord, and are completely humbled that you come to our aid when we need it the most. Thank you Lord. Amen!