What a week this past week has been.
Last Tuesday we started our small group up back again from having had over a month off at the end of August. It was fantastic to be back with our group and some new members, studying God’s word and going deeper together.
Last Thursday we received word that our Pastor’s mother had had a heart attack and later that evening she passed away. How encouraging it was, for us as a congregation, to hear Paul proclaim God’s faithfulness from the pulpit the Sunday after – with emotions running high, their joy was found in the fact that his mom is now dancing with her Saviour.
Today, we received word that our Pastor’s wife’s father had a heart attack and was in the hospital. I don’t know the current situation. But I do know that they are in so much need of God’s continued faithfulness and love, mercy and grace pouring out on them. So much exhaustion, mixed emotions – sorrow and joy – from last week, to now be hit with another load this week.
All else that I am going through in my life at this time pales in comparison to what these dear ones are experiencing. I can only help but think of Job, and as a friend put it “the thunderclap disaster day he had.”
Please join with me in praying for our Pastor Paul, his wife Sue and their families – that they will be able to draw near to God, with continued full assurance of their faith, that he will be faithful to them. That he will never leave nor forsake them. That he will continue to provide the strength to overcome any and every situation. That if it is God’s will, they will be prepared to release their father and grandfather into Jesus’ arms.
Psalm 30:11-12 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
