Count it all joy

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  (James 1:2-4)

Dear friends,

I am finding that going through this corona virus experience has been challenging on many levels.  For me as a pastor, I’m finding it harder to preach to a camera than a congregation(!)  I’ve spent more time on a phone in the last 3 days, than I have in the prior 3 weeks.  Working through new challenges that arise each new day, is exhausting and frustrating.  Then comes the concern for one’s own safety and the safety of others.  Questions arise and make it hard to sleep at night related with the well-being of our economy, businesses, and our church and community.

I’m sure that you have your own list of concerns.  Yet for those who are in Christ Jesus, hope reigns supreme.  James says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds”… (I’m sure he didn’t have COVID-19 in mind when he wrote this, but it fits!)… “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”  Steadfastness?  In what?  Steadfastness in relying upon God and his love for us!

I find it incredibly interesting that God is using the tiniest of instruments (a virus is incredibly smaller than bacteria!!) to shake the foundations of the whole world.  All the things that people have held on to; all that they had confidence in in the world, their health, their employment, their security, their life savings, their abilities, their confidence–all of this is being shaken to its core.  And now suddenly people are grasping for things that won’t move…like God!

God is the rock that never moves.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  And He has already proven his love for us through his Son Jesus Christ!  We can have joy because Jesus has overcome this world so that we can have the assurance and confidence that God loves us, He cares for us, and he has given us an unshakable life and a future with him forever. Jesus says, “Do not be afraid!  I am with you.”

Take courage and count the challenges of today all joy in Jesus!
Pastor Langdon Reinke

P.S.   Want or need to talk?  Give me a call.  I am with you!  We also have volunteers who are ready to help meet needs.  Call me!

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