"i invite YOU in": GOD ORDAINS TROUBLE

Sarah and I are getting ready to depart for Norfolk, Nebraska.  If you could hear me, I would say that with the finest Mid-West accent I could muster up. I know a little about the Mid-West since I traveled into that area several times during my pro soccer playing days.   However, this time we are going there to lead a youth rally.  Sarah’s friends are the youth leaders and they graciously extended the invite.Needless to say, it’s an honor to be “called” to other states to do God’s work. In the words of Jesus,  “I must be about My Father’s business.”  It’s the family business and since my Employer owns, ummmm, everything in the world and beyond, I’m pretty sure I’ll always have job security under His authority. Not only job security, but longevity and even an eternal salary. You can’t compete with such spiritual benefits--“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!” (Psalm 68:19). It’s going to be a very intense and insightful few days sharing with the students under the roof of Grace Community Church.  Sarah and I greatly appreciate your prayers and support—“No weapon formed against us shall prosper.”Who would have ever imagined that all the pain and adversity would have been the catalyst to purpose and ministry?! Not many actually. And that is why you only need to know the One who controls it all sovereignly. God knew. God ordains even trouble to be the telescope that brings Him into clearer view for those who are lost in space. Meaning, what gets the attention of the nonbeliever more than anything else? When Gods children suffer successfully, accrediting all peace to God through the tragedy. And when circumstances that normally swallow people like a black hole, actually become the conditions that cause one to shine like a bright star. Darkness is a prerequisite to seeing the shining stars. “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).So if you are going through any of life’s afflictions, please know that God desires to bring others to Him through your example of wrestling with salvation.  Consider how Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. From “deceiver of man” (Jacob) to “governed by God” (Israel). Or consider how the Roman soldier, at the foot of the cross, came to this conclusion, “Truly, this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).  What did he see Jesus do? Die? No! He saw Him suffer successfully, as the cross that hung Him became the canvas that magnified Him. Bear your pain, don’t numb it. Wear your pain, don’t run from it. For your greatest purpose is discovered in your greatest pain.Off to Nebraska…….