January 26, 2020
Greetings and blessings to all of you. Do you find yourself discouraged, and shaken, and upset? Well, you are not alone. The church at Thessalonica felt their comfort zone being squeezed as they were serving Christ because they noticed that Christians around them were dying and Christ had not returned as he promised. Does this sound familiar? We are also waiting for His return and in the meantime have you been hearing the news? Not only is it fake news; it is downright depressing and scary? Have you had plans for the future? But all you see now is another year older, poor health and meager finances? Is God putting the squeeze on you also? Paul came to these saints feeling discouraged for a reason..“to establish them and encourage them concerning THIER FAITH.” He went on to say, “that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. Did you know that God in His sovereign and inscrutable plan realized that pain and suffering had to be a part of our training program? He warned us in I Peter 4:12-16, “ beloved do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some thing were happening to you” - “but if anyone suffers as a Christian let him not feel ashamed but in that name let him glorify God.” Suffering is essential, not only because it softens our spirits, making us sensitive to the voice of God, but also because it reveals to us the true nature of ourselves. It shows us the truth about ourselves. That we need Christ. We need to die to ourselves daily. We need to trust and obey Christ. Paul went on to say to these sad saints, “know your faith lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.” You see, when we succumb to those overwhelming feelings of despair we quit coming to church, we become indifferent to the Words of God, and resent authority figures and possibly isolate. Do you know somebody who has done this? You know why? They have been deceived by affliction. Saints, having our comfort zone shaken is essential for our growth. Truth is avoided when it is painful. But Jesus said, “and the truth will set you free.” Saints we are in training. Do not forget that!
With the Love of Christ
First Lady Vivian C. Currie
Pastor ALC