Pastor's Pen - August 29, 2018

Philippians 4:12-14

I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress. 

A message from Pastor Dan:

I don’t know what it is about the end of summer, but our congregation has a number of surgeries taking place this week and as the fall season (weather not withstanding) begins over the coming weeks. People are getting new heart valves, new knees, new delivery devices, new leases on life… and it is both frightening and exciting.

As such, I’ve been doing a lot of praying the last fortnight. Prayers for calm, for peace, for support, for smooth procedures and steady recoveries. For God’s presence and for God’s will to be done. 

I can’t promise that every one of the procedures taking place over the next two months will go off without a hitch. I can’t promise that everyone we have in our church family today will still be with us two months from now—though I have no compelling reasons to expect otherwise at this time, I assure you. 

I can promise that God is with every person who is struggling or facing an uncertain future, a source of comfort and strength beyond any we can comprehend. God holds our hands tightly when we walk into our doctor’s offices and our waiting rooms and our observation wings. The breath of God’s Spirit fills our lungs, and if we seek to perceive it, we will find all that we need to carry us through to wherever our uncertain future leads us. 

And God holds us up as we strive to be strong for those that we love. 

We can do all things, we can face all things, we can endure all things, and we can find joy in all things… through God who strengthens us. 

Prayer:Steadfast God, strengthen me and all those I love, that we may face this world and all it brings with the fullest of hearts. Amen.