This past weekend, Pastor Steve talked about those events and situations in our lives that can either lead us closer to God or drive us away from God. When bad things or tragic events happen in our lives that’s when we often react by running away from God. On the other side, when we experience “good” things in our lives and everything seems to be going well, it’s easy to run towards God. Share your story on the blog; when have you run away from God and what circumstance brought you close to Him?
Pastor Steve’s sermon got me to think about the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is dependent on outward circumstances and joy comes from within. Corrie Ten Boom, who wrote the book, The Hiding Place, talked about finding joy in the midst of suffering during WWII. Her family hid Jews in their home. Eventually, her whole family was arrested and sent to various concentration camps. Corrie was the only one who survived. In the camp, some would huddle around a fire at night and read parts of the Bible. They didn’t have complete Bibles, but each of them might have a few torn pages. It was in the midst of the suffering, that God’s word was proclaimed and they became joy-filled because of hope and love of Christ in their midst. “Joy runs deeper than despair,” Corrie would say.
Despite our circumstances, whether they are positive or negative, we can still find joy in our lives. As Pastor Steve reminded us, it’s not about the depth of our faith, but rather it is about the One in whom we put our trust – the Lord Jesus Christ. The question for to consider this week is this: Am I fully and completely putting my trust in Him in all circumstances? If you find yourself saying, “no,” then ask yourself why not?
Pax,
Pastor Carol
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