I sat at my desk to try to capture the thoughts for this week’s meditation that were revolving in my mind like a carousel. Taped to my computer screen was a card from my wife, commemorating my 36th pastoral anniversary today. As it turned out, the words on the card were a perfect lead into the thoughts I intended to express. It was one of those unique and creative “God gifts” that make us smile. The card read:
“Whether it comes as an encouraging word from a friend,
the warm smile of a loved one,
or the special strength God grants for each new day,
May today bring new meaning to God’s wonderful work of grace in your life.”
That’s exactly what happened today, as I was reminded how God’s grace has been abundant to me through the people He has placed in my life. If you are reading this, you are most likely one of those people.
Looking back over my years as a pastor, I am most thankful for how God has used people, like you, in my life – especially at critical times – to nurture, support and protect my faith. You see, years of following the Lord have taught me I can survive hardship. I can survive loss. I can survive scarcity. I can survive loneliness. I can survive disappointment. I can survive rejection. I can survive betrayal. I can survive uncertainty. Not only have I survived, I’ve come out on the other side of it more richly blessed than before. So, I know I can do without most of what I think I need, but I also know I need my faith! Personal experience has taught me that by faith “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” By faith “the joy of the Lord is my strength,” no matter what my situation may be. By faith, “when I am weak, I am strong!” Those aren’t religious slogans for me; they are my testimony.
Your kindness, your encouragement, your correction, your honesty, your generosity and, most of all, your prayers have all been conduits of God’s grace to me, deepening my faith in Him. So, as Jesus prayed for Peter that Peter’s faith would not fail, I ask you to continue to pray the same for me. I thank you, from the truest place in my heart, for being part of the reason I so deeply thank God today.
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