Pastor’s Corner: “Perspectives from Heaven”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV) – 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Even Christians are susceptible to be overcome by worry and fear at times like these. The media, whether through TV, computer or phone is overrun with information and emotions that can lead us down a path of anxiousness, feelings of weakness and lack of control. But…..there is a better way, a Way (Jesus) that is actually a commandment from the Lord: “DO NOT BE AFRAID!” I love what Max Lucado has said, “Your anxiety decreases as your understanding of your Father increases.” That is really the heart of the matter. When we are weak (we are definitely in a weak and vulnerable position), OUR FATHER IS STRONG. And His strength is unlike any other strength we will ever experience. We need to press more into Him. This scripture is more than words, it is a HEAVENLY REALITY.
When we found out that Isaiah had suddenly left us for heaven, anxiety, panic, worry, and fear all crashed in at the same time. And as we bent beneath the weight of it, we honestly wondered if we could survive such a thing. As a pastor, I had spoken with people over the years who had lost children, but when it happened to me, the pain was so overwhelming, it did not seem possible I would be able to continue to live. But God was there for me. And one of the reasons I have continued to preach since that day is because of that, because God was there. If the Lord had not come through for me on that day, I would have not only given up preaching, but in hope for living. But He did come through for me – our hope is REAL. We need to continue to remind one another. I’m not saying it has been easy. We still miss our son, of course, and we still feel deep pain. But we have found the truth of Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJ): “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. He hears our cries and He knows our heart. Psalm 34:18 (ESV) – 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Although we are separated by distance, let us continue to stay connected through prayers and notes for and to one another through email, phone or text. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (MSG) – Whether we’re awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we’re alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it. I commit to writing to you every day through this time until we are reunited. Please send me your prayer requests and concerns through text or email (956 434 1425 or [email protected]) – we love and care for you and will keep you in our prayers.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton & Family