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Greetings Lake Deaton Friends and Family,
In everything God works for the good for those who love him…..
This is the last weekend of our Pentecost series, “Can you hear me now?” One of the most challenging times to “hear” God is when we are going through difficulties. In our scripture from Romans 8:26-28, the Apostle Paul reminds us that he knew we would face brokenness and that being a follower of Christ was not a guarantee that we would never face those times in our lives. In fact, sometimes brokenness may occur because of our faith, like when we boldly stand for what we believe the Gospel proclaims and others do not agree with us. Even Paul suffered shipwrecks, beatings, imprison-ment, murder attempts, temporary blindness, and more. Some because of his sin and brokenness; some because of his conviction and faith!
Paul writes to the Christians at Rome, and now to us, to encourage. He reminds us that there will be times in our brokenness when we cannot find words to pray or express the depth of pain experience. Can I get an amen? But even in our brokenness and difficulties, Paul boldly proclaims that “in everything God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”
You, the people of Lake Deaton, remind me of this truth every day when you share your stories of how God worked in your life to bring strength, healing, hope, and direction in the face of incredible challenges. God has blessed us with this amazing faith community so we can encourage one another and walk with one another through tough times. I pray this weekend’s worship will lift your spirits, invite you to be open and honest with God and one another in your struggles, and awaken you to this most amazing promise – “In EVERYTHING, God works for the good of those who love Him….” See you this weekend!
Blessings,
Johnathan
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