April 14, Heavy Heart
Deb and I went to Asheville over the weekend. We had an incredible time. On Friday we spent the day at the Biltmore House. I bought the tickets for Debbie but actually had a blast myself. What a house! Had dinner both evenings in down town Asheville. First time downtown for both of us. It took me 28 years of marriage to have a anniversary get away, but it'll be a permanent fixture for Deb and I.
But with all trips, we had to come home. The reality of life was waiting. Part of that reality is that we have a lot of hurting people attending our church. A few examples:
* Arrested
* A Mom needing help with her children
* A Mom heart broken over the life style her child has chosen
* A marriage falling apart
* Another marriage struggling with letting go of some junk in the past
* A wife wanting a divorce because her husband is plain sorry but doesn't have the money
* A child rushed to surgery
I could continue but I'm pretty sure you understand. There are nights I lay in bed and have such a heavy heart for our people and their troubles. As I pray for the pain so many are experiencing I ask God to give them comfort, guidance and wisdom. I've said many times, "I never doubt God but there are times I don't understand exactly what is going on."
I believe its during these difficult times we grow the most. I love the way God puts it in Psalms:
Psalms 20:7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
No matter what life throws at us we must always trust in God. And, we need to face our troubles with out fear.
Psalms 56:4
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
While someone is pouring out their heart, weeping in obvious confusion and pain, its hard to tell them not to be afraid. I can't tell them that everything will be alright when in reality I'm not sure it will. No pastor has a magic pill that can make everything just go away!
If you pray for me or any other pastor, please ask God to give us the words of encouragement, the words of Jesus. Pray that God helps me deal with such a heavy heart. Pray for God to give me the wisdom needed to lead our church to down His path and not mine. I'm sitting in my chair with a heavy heart tonight. Not doubting God, but just not understanding.
But with all trips, we had to come home. The reality of life was waiting. Part of that reality is that we have a lot of hurting people attending our church. A few examples:
* Arrested
* A Mom needing help with her children
* A Mom heart broken over the life style her child has chosen
* A marriage falling apart
* Another marriage struggling with letting go of some junk in the past
* A wife wanting a divorce because her husband is plain sorry but doesn't have the money
* A child rushed to surgery
I could continue but I'm pretty sure you understand. There are nights I lay in bed and have such a heavy heart for our people and their troubles. As I pray for the pain so many are experiencing I ask God to give them comfort, guidance and wisdom. I've said many times, "I never doubt God but there are times I don't understand exactly what is going on."
I believe its during these difficult times we grow the most. I love the way God puts it in Psalms:
Psalms 20:7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
No matter what life throws at us we must always trust in God. And, we need to face our troubles with out fear.
Psalms 56:4
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
While someone is pouring out their heart, weeping in obvious confusion and pain, its hard to tell them not to be afraid. I can't tell them that everything will be alright when in reality I'm not sure it will. No pastor has a magic pill that can make everything just go away!
If you pray for me or any other pastor, please ask God to give us the words of encouragement, the words of Jesus. Pray that God helps me deal with such a heavy heart. Pray for God to give me the wisdom needed to lead our church to down His path and not mine. I'm sitting in my chair with a heavy heart tonight. Not doubting God, but just not understanding.
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