Sunday 6 January 2008

When Hope Hurts

"Life isn't always fair, but God is always good" (Pastor Mark Conner)

I was reminded of this truth today as we met with some dear friends who have been wounded by their personal experience of "church". I can't for the life of me understand why the very place where hope, healing and encouragement should be most evident offers only disappointment and hurts as a result of 'churchgoers' who are intent on stifling Christian growth and discipleship through their own self-centred agendas that contradict all that God purposes.
On further thought, perhaps in that very sentence lies the answer itself ~ for when SELF is on the throne, GOD doesn't reign supreme.

This is my heart plea ~ "LORD, help me to be an encourager and beacon of Christlike character to all I meet day by day that they may freely grow in Your grace and truth."

Psalm 118 (MSG) ~ "God's my strong champion...far better to take refuge in God than trust in people ... God's my strength, he's also my song, and now he's my salvation."

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors Gail and Ritchie Watson ~ soon to commence appointments in Papua New Guinea