Pastor’s Notes
November 2013
The idea of “walking in faith” is one that we speak, read, and write of often in the Christian lifestyle. It simply means that we trust in the leadership of the Holy Spirit, discerned through prayer and bible study, to know how we are to follow after God’s will for our lives.
Truthfully, this is simply stated, but is often easier said than done. I can recall so many times in which I was trying to discern God’s will for me and my family. Each of these times was through a course of difficulties. In the moment, the pressures can seem intense. Often we are weighing many tangible and intangible considerations, while trying to put our wills to the side and focus on the will of God.
In last month’s newsletter, I addressed why “bad things” still happen to God’s people. Often those terrible, frustrating and sometimes tragic circumstances are when and where God’s grace and mercy shine brightest. Often those times draw us closer to God’s comfort as individuals and as a church family. The writer of Hebrews speaks to this so beautifully: Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
God knows our needs, in our time of need. We can go to God with confidence when we are in Christ. Brother Adam Hatley recently tendered his resignation so that he and his family can be closer to the doctors and treatments that his daughter Emma is going to need in the coming months. This was not an easy decision for him, but he and I both sense the Lord’s leadership in it. None of us ever expected that the Hatley’s time with our church family would be so short. But we trust in God and His goodness.
Church family, I ask this of you in the coming weeks: continue to do what you do so well in loving ministry. Continue to pray for the family as they make another move far sooner than they would have hoped or expected. This is always stressful and tiring. Continue to pray for Emma’s health and well being as they continue to determine what course of treatment will be best for her. Continue to pray for God’s comfort and peace as they take each decision in due time and that all provision would be made for them. I am personally thankful for the time that they have been together with us as a church family, neighbors, co-ministers, and friends. It hasn’t been what any of us were expecting, but there have been many blessings for which I am grateful. I know that we will continue to be in contact with them as we follow Emma’s progress and know that God’s hand will continue to lead them as they seek Him with all their heart.
Continue to pray for the Hatleys. Continue to pray for your church family. Abide in prayer church, and God will continue to reveal He will in our time of need.
Until the whole world hears of the love of Jesus,
Brother Jim
