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life is difficult


Pain.  Celebration. Death.  Answers.  Stress. Peace.  Addiction.

Those words pass through my mind on just about a daily basis.  As a pastor I meet people in all areas of life.  Some are celebrating the big days or the great wins while others are mourning the loss of family or the battle of some sickness or addiction.

Honestly, there aren’t many answers apart from our faith.  Life is difficult.

You turn on the news or scroll through Facebook this past Saturday and see the horror of a shooting at a Jewish Synagogue in Pittsburgh where many lives were lost. Sad.  No answers.  Monday morning there is a blurb and not too many hours from us where a student was shot at a school in Charlotte before the school day begins.  Sad.  That ought not to happen.

Today is Halloween. For children is a day where smiles and candy are plenteous.  Yet it is a day that often celebrates darkness, demons and anything but God. By the way, we can turn anything toward God.  Use your voice, use your opportunities every day to share what Jesus has done in your life. Even on Halloween, as we will in our church parking lot tonight, share Jesus and love people.

A text message comes in late last evening about a young man in our community battling hard with addiction.  I see this often and almost daily the impact of poor choices, broken lives and much loss due to addiction.  The pain that comes to all involved is real and leaves deep scars.

How do we deal with these things?  We must and always turn toward God and walk His direction.

Proverbs 3:6  NASB
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

1 Corinthians 1:9  NLT
God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:7  NASB
for we walk by faith, not by sight—

John 14:27  NASB
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Choose life.  Choose Jesus. Don’t let the pain or suffering or complexity of living turn down the light God has given you. Be love and light for others today!


NOTE... Pray for the MCCC (Martinsville Community Collaborative Care) Medical and Dental FREE outreach this Saturday from 8am until 3pm at First Methodist Martinsville’s Uptown Ministry Center.  
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