Years ago, when both of my parents died unexpectedly within 8 weeks of each other I was deeply saddened and felt very much alone. I had been divorced three years earlier and the impact of their death just seemed to deepen my sense of loss and loneliness. Turning again to the Bible where I hoped I would find peace, I was reminded of this amazing passage from St Paul's letter to the Romans.
" 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 " (Romans 8:28)
Could it be? Could God really being working in me for my good while I floundered in my sadness and loneliness? I hung onto those words, reciting them over and over again in prayer, believing that God was there with me, present, working for my good and that he would not leave me nor forsake me in my loss. I could let go into His caring arms. As I did, I gradually came to see all the ways in which He was 'working for my good' and it WAS true. The people of the congregation where I was serving surrounded me with their love and prayers. Daily I felt their goodness and was comforted by their acts of kindness. They made sure with their presence that I was loved. Also, within the first year after their death, after 6 years of loneliness, God blessed me with my future husband who brought joy and peace to my life. God's love and promise sustained me through worship and the Word and by the ministry that placed itself in my path. I have often used this scripture for others since that time of loss. It is a wonderful reminder of what the God of the universe can do when we open our hearts to his amazing grace and will, especially when we are afraid and anxious. Learning to trust in Him, always, is what our daily walk in faith is all about.
Since that time I have more fully enjoyed being called to His purposes. It's a gift you know, being in a place where your daily focus is on God's work being done in the kingdom. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that being at St Stephen has been a blessing and as I have gotten to know you through the visitation ministry and worship opportunities I have seen His goodness at work in you! I have always been a firm believer that His will for our lives is much better than anything we can dream of for ourselves or His kingdom.
As we continue in ministry together let's see what God is up to in our lives and in the churches life. Together, let's bring His love and promise to the community in which we live, in fact the whole world so that all will know that God is up to something amazing, working for our good and the good of His kingdom.
If you haven't been to St Stephen before I invite you to come and visit us? You will find a community rich in love to friend and neighbor, interested in reaching out and sharing the Good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Perhaps you've questioned His presence in the midst of chaos but not felt Him there. If this is true, then we invite you to seek out His word and join us for worship, ministry opportunities, a warm hug, a need met, the gift of friendship bound in God's love, and perhaps the answer to prayer. For God IS up to something for our good. Yours too!
Blessings,
Pr Sue |
