Romans 15:13 NLT
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
There are so many things rushing through my head and heart this morning, but what I want to share is a simple fact that does not change. God is good. All the time.
Julie and I as well as our church, The Community Fellowship, has been blessed by our partnership with Eastlake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia. I met Pastor Troy Keaton a few years ago, and another ministry leader and friend, Daniel Henderson, attends Eastlake. This church supported and blessed our church at Easter with the ability to reach farther and touch more people with the Gospel. We are grateful!
Last week as Eastlake was putting on a great event celebrating the church’s 20th anniversary and what they called Multiply Week many from The Community Fellowship went to the services they were having. Friday night it was Julie and me. What happened next was so unexpected.
I won’t share all the details, but I will begin by asking you to pray for Pastor Troy and Eastlake. About 15 minutes in to the worship service under a huge tent Friday night a storm blew in and ripped the tent sending it over all those who were in attendance. Hundreds of people singing praise to the Lord, and in less than 10 seconds this 21,000 square foot tent flew over our heads.
The scene was one I can hardly describe and will not do that here. But one incredible man lost his life when one of the tent poles hit him. Another 22 people were injured. Julie and I were not hurt and sought to pray and help as did hundred of others.
Moving forward. The last few days have been full of emotions, and we have prayed much for our Eastlake friends and family. Our church had a special time of pray for them during our worship service yesterday.
The story is being shared online, through many news outlets both locally and nationally. But I ask you to join us in prayer.
Pastor Troy’s message Sunday morning to Eastlake church was so good and the reminder that as we quote from Romans 8:28 God will use this for our good and His glory. But the choice is ours in how we deal with the situations that we are involved.
We can hand things to Satan and allow him to to twist and hurt even more. Or we can allow God to use them for His glory and to share His story even further.
The picture with this e-devotion was taken long long after the event where the tent was standing. God in Scripture reminded us that His promises are still true. No matter our circumstances or our feelings, God can always be trusting because He keeps His promises.
My prayer is God’s glory, the healing of His people and the furtherance of His church. The stories being shared, even by the sweet lady whose husband passed away in the event have been about God’s goodness. The daughter of Bob who passed away said he was worshipping God one moment, and the next moment he was in the presence of God. He was ready for this day after a lifetime of living for Jesus and leading others to do the same.
Let’s pray. Let’s seek God. May this story and so many others lead people to know God who is gracious and good even in the most difficult of times.
Romans 8:28-29 NLT
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
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