Church, God’s Vehicle of Blessing

Doreen and I had our life planned out, at least for the immediate future. We planned to be at our once in three year family reunion this weekend. Then we intended to visit family “on the other side” until August 6. And finally ending up in the Innisfail Alberta area to participate and enjoy our grand children’s wedding. We had been planning for this for more than a year. However, in moment of time, everything changed. Doreen fell and broke her hip and wrist. As I write this, she is in the hospital recovering. Life can turn on a dime. I think of Psalm 121:3 “He will not let you fall; your protector is always awake.” These are great words when you are standing upright. As I knelt in front of my wife, trying to comfort her while waiting for the ambulance, I thought of that scripture and the seemingly contradiction.

While we don’t understand why this happened, I do trust God has all things under control. The Scripture also says, “People may make plans in their minds, but the LORD decides what they will do.” (Proverbs 16:9) We need to remain humble and trust God has a better plan for us. “What they will do” is a good thought for us. What will we do when life throws us a curve ball, when our best plans are smashed, when the world is turned upside down and we don’t know where to turn? What will I do? What will you do? Me, I am going to trust the Lord. As the scripture says: “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21) And his purpose is for our good. He loves us. He sustains us, cares for us, and provides for us; despite what jumps up in the path of life.

Doreen and I are blown away with the love and care, in addition to the prayers and well wishes we have received. I believe this is the predominate way God cares for us - through people. It is extremely hollow to say, I am praying for you, but then don’t show up with a kind word, helpful act of kindness, or an encouraging word. We have received all of these things and feel so blessed. It is always God’s intention for the church to be God’s vehicle of blessing in the community in which we live. Thank you church people for being God’s hands and feet in our lives at this most difficult time.

If you feel alone, please know that God has a family waiting for you. It is called the church, his Body on the earth for our comfort and support. If you have found yourself away from the Family of God, I would suggest you try again. Forgive whatever grievance you may have, talk to the Pastor and leaders for counsel, and ask God for the Holy Spirit to help you connect. And then, when unexpected and hard times come, you will not be alone. This is the best thing of all.

This Sunday, I will be continuing the Impact series. I want to speak about how the Holy Spirit impacts our lives as we do “church” together.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Sunday Celebration

UPDATE: We are continuing to meet personally at the church Sundays at 10:30am. The delta variant has become prevalent in the region including Nelson and the recommendation from the Provincial Government is that if you are in a building to wear a mask, so we are asking everyone to wear them until this subsides. Moving forward until further notice Masks are Mandatory again as well as physical distancing and sanitizing remains. We are so glad that we are gathering again, your presence is so important. The usual online options (Facebook and KCF.Online.Church) will also be available.

Jim Reimer, Pastor

July 29, 2021