God, take me through this suffering
There are no short, easy answers to why suffering exists. Suffering is real. No one escapes it and no one can prevent it completely. Not withstanding, some of our suffering is a direct result of one’s decisions, actions, and lifestyle. But that doesn’t give an answer for such things as; the accident that changed your life for ever, the unexplained actions of another that caused you untold suffering, or the debilitating sickness that surprised you. Suffering, whether it is our own making, the result of another, or just life changing unfortunate circumstances, will visit us.
Maybe you have said, “I can’t take it anymore.” You feel broken, lost, and completely overwhelmed. I am not going to give you trite sayings, cute memes from Facebook, or platitudes that offend your soul. I will tell you there is a prayer that God always answers when you are suffering.
The prayer I am suggesting you pray is “God, help me through this suffering.” It is a powerful prayer that gets God’s attention. He will immediately deploy angels upon your behalf. Holy Spirit will flood your soul and supernatural ability will course through your veins, providing intestinal fortitude that you didn’t know you had. In short, this is a prayer God says, Yes.
God does not promise that he will eliminate suffering in this life. He does not promise you will go around suffering, under suffering, over suffering, but through it. Right through it. (Isaiah 43:2) Suffering causes one to feel as if there is no end. It feels eternal. When in it, we struggle with hope. In that moment, it is a perfect time to pray the prayer that God always answers with a yes; God, get me through this suffering. And he will. When you are on the other side; you will look back and be amazed how God carried you without you even knowing it. How God went before you and made it possible to go forward. And how much better you are today for it.
To conclude, let me say that it is not God’s will that anyone suffers. That is why he has given us the Word of God, filled with life principles and precepts that if followed, will eliminate a lot of self inflicted suffering. If we will be followers of Jesus, we will have a more peaceful life, less drama, and be surrounded by more loving people. However, Jesus did not promise a suffer free world in this life. But he did promise that he would never leave us and would carry us through. And God always keeps his promises.
This Sunday, I will be talking about suffering. What God thinks of suffering. The promise we have when we are in it and the prayer that we can count on to be answered in our time of pain. Lord, take me through.
Evangelism in Haiti
In late February Pastor Jim and Trevor Miller are heading to Haiti. The money that was raised at SpagHaiti will be used for the Children’s Village and we are very grateful for your generosity to make this a reality.
Another exciting aspect of this trip is that there will be an Evangelical Campaign and Church Plant. A total of $2,000 is required for this to occur. Donations to this cause can be made at KCF. Identify your payment as Haiti Evangelical. Thank you for supporting this endeavor.
International Dinner
KCF is partnering with Rotary to host the International Dinner which will be held Thursday, Feb 7, 5:30pm at Mary Hall, Selkirk College.
Enjoy a fun night and scrumptious dinner of foods from multiple cultures prepared by post-graduate Hospitality Management students.
Money raised will go towards a teacher in Haiti and towards food security in Nelson, (such as Our Daily Bread) and Polio Eradication.
Tickets are available at the KCF office. Ticket sales will close on Feb 5th. There will be no tickets at the door.
Volunteer Opportunities at ODB
Are you seeking more purpose in your life, and wanting to give back and contribute to the community in a hands-on way?
ODB has an ongoing daily need (Mon-Fri) for volunteers ranging from helping in the kitchen, general building/property upkeep or cleaning up after the lunch. Clean up begins at 1pm and is completed by 2pm.
Why not come in to ODB, enjoy a great hot lunch, good company and then help clean up.
S.H.A.R.E. Nelson
Books are back! Check out the wide selection of books and have a look through the new clothing section!
Follow us on our Facebook page and don’t miss out on any sales.
S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day. If you have an furniture items for donation, S.H.A.R.E. welcomes your kind donations. If you would like to volunteer at S.H.A.R.E. we currently have great opportunities. Call the store at 250.352.1222 or stop by the store to inquire. Click on this link to check out S.H.A.R.E.’s video! Check out our FB page.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZX9v7gxdM
Calendar of Events
Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.
Pastor Jim
January 24, 2019
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5