I'm preaching this Sunday on joy. It's the third week of advent and we are lighting the "joy candle". A week ago I wasn't going to preach as I didn't feel up for it, but over the last couple days, my heart has grown with anticipation to share the joy I have been experiencing in the midst of a horrible situation.
I've realized that the tears I have shed haven't been out of despair or pity, but out of a deep gratefulness for the hope I have in Christ. To know that nothing this world throws at me has the power to change my destination feels like being in a bunker while bombs are going off outside. To know that God has and is experiencing my pain allows me to embrace Him in the same way I embrace my wife. To know that God is just gives me peace by realizing that healing will come, whether it be on this side of life or the other. To know that God knew about this situation before either of us were born brings an ability to trust Him and His ways.
The bottom line is that no amount of darkness can consume the light we have in Christ. The hope we have in Him out shines every trial. In fact, the trials we face help us realize this to a greater degree. I can honestly say that my hope in Christ is greater in and through this than it was before and for that reason I feel blessed and experience true joy.
It's similar to how I feel about our Church and family. I loved them deeply before, but now I realize to an even greater degree how awesome they are, and I love them even more. This makes me smile.
Thank you to everyone who is praying and fasting for us. Your love and involvement means a lot. Your faith is inspiring.
I've asked Carmen D. to sing this song at Church this Sunday as it has been an encouragement to me and goes nicely with our focus this Sunday (see "video" below):
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