But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Just a few weeks ago, we welcomed a new pastor into our congregation, an exciting time for many, just what we had been praying for, and he did preach for a couple of Sundays, but sometimes situations leave you wondering why.
We have everything planned out, an answer to a prayer right? I was always told there are three answers to prayer, yes, no and later, this was a later.
But why was it a later? Our new Pastor, the one we had been praying for was diagnosed with a treatable form of lung cancer, he started treatments last Saturday, so leading a worship service on Sunday was out of the question, his wife took his place at the Pulpit last Sunday, and for the next five to six weeks Pastor Westgate is once again steping up, a retired Pastor who for the past few months has stepped up in a big way!
He was going to go back into retirement, and did for about three weeks, but he’s coming back, allowing the new Pastor the time he needs to heal.
Romans 8:26–28 NIV
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. [27] And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that the Lord is not the author of pain, and suffering, far from it, he hurts when we hurt. But he can turn something negative around!
For the past year or two I have watched as the enemy has tried to attack and destroy the church, through loss, and I have watched as we have prayed through the storms.
It’s not unique to my Church, sadly the enemy is always trying to get a foothold, through loss, through discord, and I’ve seen churches rise to the occasion while others fall!
Matthew 11:28–30 NIV
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This year has taught us though, that sometimes you need to expect the unexpected, and sometimes you need to be humbled, reminded that even in this, God is in control.
We will continue to pray for our Church, our congregation, the world, while praying for our new Pastor and his family, as they travel an unexpected road, one that is far from easy.
We will continue to live our faith, trying our best to be a light in a world that often seems dark!
Copyright Michelle R Kidwell
February.01.2025
*The past year has been a challenging time for many, our Church included, as we have faced loss, and love, but a congregation with a history of 171 years is resilient.
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