The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 9:9 ESV
Psalm 9:9 ESV
Dear Friends,
My adult life has been marred by stressful and traumatic events. Much like yours, my life has its trials and obstacles to overcome lest they overcome us. For the past week or so, my family has experienced its fair share of issues. At one point, I had three family members in three different hospitals in three different states. I bear responsibility for all of their care. It is shared responsibility, but it laid heavily on my shoulders this time around. Thankfully, God saw us through it all, and everyone is home from the hospital and on the mend. Yet, it has left its mark on us, specifically my mother. She is home from the hospital but now requires oxygen and home nurses. We hope these things are merely temporary support, but they are things she did not need before going into the hospital.
As it so happens, the readings for tomorrow (listed below), beginning with the story of David and Goliath, are all about overcoming obstacles. The Israelites were squaring off against the Philistines in battle. One particular Philistine named Goliath was the Philistine champion. All the Israelites failed to stop him either due to his overpowering strength or their own fear. That is all but one. David, just a boy at the time, showed no fear and strode forward to meet the challenge. He showed no fear, because he knew God was on his side. David had already overcome and killed both a lion and a bear that had gone after his sheep. These earlier obstacles had prepared him for his showdown with Goliath.
There is a proverb that I have recently saw on Facebook that said, “Wear your tragedies as armor, not shackles.” Everyone in life faces obstacles and suffering. It may be to varying degrees, but we all have our trials. These things could overcome us and squelch us out. We see this when people succumb to depression or are stuck in their grief or the moment of the tragic event, unable to move forward. Yet, even the smallest amount of light can dispel the darkness. These trials can prepare us for trials to come, or they can allow us to help others. David did not fight the Philistine for his own glory. He stood his ground against Goliath on behalf of his people. The experience and lessons of our sufferings could be used to help others in similar circumstances. The point is to keep moving forward. Follow God’s light out of the darkness. Nothing is beyond what God can fix, and no one is beyond God’s redemption. Turn your stresses and sufferings into something beneficial.
I encourage you to take some time to read and study these passages these week. We all have “Goliaths” in our lives that we need to overcome. We must be people of hope, or rather, we must live as people of hope. There is always hope, always, especially in a life with God.
Taking care of my family during this time is why I have been a bit absent online as well as missing church last week. I will be missing church again this week. Thankfully, I have a great group of people that can cover church services in my absence. Last week, you were blessed to hear Rev. Cox preach, and tomorrow morning, you will be blessed to hear Rt. Rev. Wagner. I encourage you to go and support them. Rt. Rev. Wagner will be preaching on this very topic of overcoming obstacles in life. The best support that we can ever have is that of God’s. May you find joy and hope in the little things. May you find the strength to overcome whatever obstacles you are facing. Rest easy in the hope of God. There is always hope.
Until next we meet,
Pastor Jessi
Suggested passages to study this week:
1 Samuel 17
Psalm 9
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41
Reminders:
June 24 – Sunday Service at 9 am
June 30 – Habits of the Mind Book Club at The Sweet Palette at 1 pm
July 1 – Sunday Service at 9 am
My adult life has been marred by stressful and traumatic events. Much like yours, my life has its trials and obstacles to overcome lest they overcome us. For the past week or so, my family has experienced its fair share of issues. At one point, I had three family members in three different hospitals in three different states. I bear responsibility for all of their care. It is shared responsibility, but it laid heavily on my shoulders this time around. Thankfully, God saw us through it all, and everyone is home from the hospital and on the mend. Yet, it has left its mark on us, specifically my mother. She is home from the hospital but now requires oxygen and home nurses. We hope these things are merely temporary support, but they are things she did not need before going into the hospital.
As it so happens, the readings for tomorrow (listed below), beginning with the story of David and Goliath, are all about overcoming obstacles. The Israelites were squaring off against the Philistines in battle. One particular Philistine named Goliath was the Philistine champion. All the Israelites failed to stop him either due to his overpowering strength or their own fear. That is all but one. David, just a boy at the time, showed no fear and strode forward to meet the challenge. He showed no fear, because he knew God was on his side. David had already overcome and killed both a lion and a bear that had gone after his sheep. These earlier obstacles had prepared him for his showdown with Goliath.
There is a proverb that I have recently saw on Facebook that said, “Wear your tragedies as armor, not shackles.” Everyone in life faces obstacles and suffering. It may be to varying degrees, but we all have our trials. These things could overcome us and squelch us out. We see this when people succumb to depression or are stuck in their grief or the moment of the tragic event, unable to move forward. Yet, even the smallest amount of light can dispel the darkness. These trials can prepare us for trials to come, or they can allow us to help others. David did not fight the Philistine for his own glory. He stood his ground against Goliath on behalf of his people. The experience and lessons of our sufferings could be used to help others in similar circumstances. The point is to keep moving forward. Follow God’s light out of the darkness. Nothing is beyond what God can fix, and no one is beyond God’s redemption. Turn your stresses and sufferings into something beneficial.
I encourage you to take some time to read and study these passages these week. We all have “Goliaths” in our lives that we need to overcome. We must be people of hope, or rather, we must live as people of hope. There is always hope, always, especially in a life with God.
Taking care of my family during this time is why I have been a bit absent online as well as missing church last week. I will be missing church again this week. Thankfully, I have a great group of people that can cover church services in my absence. Last week, you were blessed to hear Rev. Cox preach, and tomorrow morning, you will be blessed to hear Rt. Rev. Wagner. I encourage you to go and support them. Rt. Rev. Wagner will be preaching on this very topic of overcoming obstacles in life. The best support that we can ever have is that of God’s. May you find joy and hope in the little things. May you find the strength to overcome whatever obstacles you are facing. Rest easy in the hope of God. There is always hope.
Until next we meet,
Pastor Jessi
Suggested passages to study this week:
1 Samuel 17
Psalm 9
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41
Reminders:
June 24 – Sunday Service at 9 am
June 30 – Habits of the Mind Book Club at The Sweet Palette at 1 pm
July 1 – Sunday Service at 9 am
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