Well, I haven’t posted anything since September 30 – WOW!
There has been much happening. Our Senior Pastor’s son Sam went to be with the Lord suddenly (he didn’t wake up one morning). This was a great shock and was, and still is, a difficult time for many, especially his parents and family. Friends from the small group that we lead were involved in a serious car accident and one has had her lower leg removed. My wife’s parents were involved in a serious car accident and her mother is still recovering (she is going OK). I have changed jobs – this has been unsettling for me. We had a very large tree fall on our house (it landed mainly on the garage – praise God) and my dad has been battling (and winning) with a stomach cancer.
Hmmm, if I am honest I would have to say, by the grace of God, we have coped quite well. I can honestly say the Lord had prepared us and sustained us. This is not to say I wasn’t distracted by the events – I was. I mean, at times, there was a numbness and a ‘shellshock’ness. When I mean distracted I mean taking my eyes off the Lord. I remember saying to myself and the Lord that “I’m not quite right am I”. I mean there are parts of my ‘being’ that have been crying out for the Lord refreshment and this is happening (really – don’t worry 🙂 ).
I’ve been wondering, when end times come and there is great hardship and suffering and persecution will I be distracted and take my eyes off Jesus? Not if I am prepared. Not if I build my house upon the rock and not upon the sand. Not if I am serious about becoming a real man of God.
Here is a great Word to men about ‘Being a Man of God’ preached by Paul Washer. I found this one over at here
Blessings
Steve
Enlightened Hope 