It’s been quite a year for many. It’s been a tough one for sure, but I have much to be thankful for. As a small town volunteer EMT, I saw more illness and sadness than desired. It never got as bad as forecasted, thankfully, but none the less we had many transports from the hospital back to loca nursing home as there was nothing that could be done. Difficult task, loving a patient the best we can and showing that honor and love to their family watching while feeling helpless. I didn’t lose any close friends or even acquaintances, but do know of several deaths within an hour or so. As a leader at my church, it was difficult as our pastor gave me his resignation late last February and he was gone in two weeks. Beginning the COVID shutdown with out a pastor and figuring out how to do church was a task in itself. That said, it forced me to take some new steps in faith, preaching and even handing a memorial service for a dear widow friend when her heart gave out after too many weeks of isolation. As we found an interim pastor, and began to move forward, it was obvious to me that in spite of my frustrations and lack of belief at times, God was moving in a great way. Our church has actually grown since opening back up after 10 weeks of on-line only services. Several friends have had their eyes open to what God calls us to in life and have begun being obedient to Him. Last Sunday, I had the great privilege of baptizing 5 adults and those folks, plus another 8-10 more have asked to be obedient once again and step forward in joining the church officially. I was fortunate to join in a Facebook group doing a chronological study of the Old Testament in a year and have had a great time doing my daily study in books of the word I’ve never spent much time on. In Numbers now and the occasional Psalm, I am once again of how God demands obedience from his followers. I feel a new encouragement once again and look forward to seeing how God is working this year and for eternity. Then, A month ago I decided it was time to start taking better care of my self physically beginning with dropping 25 lbs. I’m down 12 now and enjoy my morning cardio on the treadmill while listening to my daily reading again. A week after that, I had a routine physical as I never go to the doc, and wanted to see how all was. He called the next day with mostly positive news, but asked if I knew of anything I’d done to ruin my kidneys!??! I rarely take any medication and by Gods grace, have never tried any drugs. I spent much time praying about this and had 100’s of others praying too. He said to do bloodwork again in a few weeks so I went in this last Tuesday and got results yesterday.... kidneys look great as does the rest, and he doesn’t know why the reading was as high as it was three weeks back. I also found out I have the antibody, and I thought I had the Covid a while back. Glad I wasn’t too ill but did stay home for about 10 days or worked by myself when I could. All this to say, God is teaching me to keep my eyes focused up, and not worry about today, and he is directing my paths. Through all of this, I’ve had more direct conversations with people I usually wouldn’t and trust that He is doing a mighty work. my point isn’t to brag on me or make light of all the current troubles many are facing, but to encourage others to look to Him who grants all comfort, peace, joy, and will come along in times of sorrow. God created us to Glorify Himself. He is Holy. I can’t even completely comprehend what Holy means. But I do know I am not. Unfortunately His Holiness is complete and this means I can’t be with Him nor reflect His Glory in my sinful state. Because of His great love, he paid the price by sending His perfect Son to live a perfect life without blemish, and yet be put to death. But this wasn’t forced. Christ, in humility, walked and carried His cross, while focused on The Father. I believe Christ even did this with joy as He knew the coat was worth it. His perfect sacrifice, once for all who believe and call on Him, covers my and everyones sins once for all. Without that, life would be hopeless, but because of His great love, grace, mercy, and Sacrifice, we are once again united with Him for eternity. Sometimes I forget that eternity is now. So focus on Him and serve the best we can while here, yet knowing this is not our home. I am thankful. This silly forum means so much to many and we genuinely care about one another. Almost like a church. So please continue to share prayer requests and hurts with one another. Also share of joys of each day. Whether it’s a new score, a great deal on a new saw, or the joy of taking a broad look at what life is and how amazing it all holds together, share. I look forward to seeing many of you at Dennis’s in a couple months and know that will bring more reasons to be joyful Joel ps, sorry for the long post but guess I have a lot on my mind.
Thanks for posting. Many people were pondering what life holds as they travel through the Covid crisis.
We are studying Isaiah right now and it has been called the gospel book of the old testament. The study of the sanctuary is another area of fascination. The whole thing was so well design to lead the people to Jesus and still speaks to us today. The prophecies of Daniel lay the foundation for understanding Revelation as well. There is so much to learn from the Old Testament that explains the New Testament.
Great testimony. Thanks. Even in bad times we truly have a lot to be thankful for don't we? P.S. Drink plenty of water to protect those kidneys.
