LOVE WORKS

I am returning from Memphis, Tennessee today, where Sarah and I spent the past three days on the move. It was a long-awaited reunion for Sarah and her friends, and obviously, it was the first time for me to meet everyone from Sarah’s Memphis days. Only a handful of them were able to make the journey north last November for our wedding, so this trip south was much anticipated for everyone.  And of course, it provided the privilege to visit Sarah’s church—High Point Memphis, which I had heard so much about from the Peterson family.And what an experience that was! Not because it was in a brand new auditorium sanctuary with all the “bells and whistles,” but solely because the name and fame of Jesus was glorified and magnified in the service. It was evident that those who love Jesus were responding to Jesus. That's how love works—when the love of Jesus is within; there is no other choice but for that love to pour out.  It was also a great honor to hear Clayton King, a Bible teacher from South Carolina, teach about "our suffering being a source of strength in Christ alone."  He talked about the beauty of vulnerability and how our pain can help us when it humbles us.  We all know its human nature to try to hide our scars and put out a false appearance that we are strong. Yet Jesus tells us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus, when we allow our brokenness to bring us to Jesus, than that is the exact place where God desires to lead us. It is the precise place where God needs us.I have experienced this truth in my life on so many painful and vulnerable levels.  I know first hand what it is like to go from the height of success to the depths of sorrow. To cause insurmountable pain. To lose everything. But it was precisely in that position of utter devastation where my remorse drove me back to the cross.  It was there where I allowed Jesus to enter into my hopeless situation. It was there where I experienced the reality, the intimacy, and the faithfulness of Christ  And the result:  restoration, redemption, and a greater purpose to encourage others to cling to their faith and look for heavens purpose in the midst of life’s difficulties.  I don’t just say this—I have lived it!And this mission--to tell people of the power of God, the power of forgiveness, and the power of redemption-- burns in my soul and has infused every aspect of my voice, my vision and my values.  And I can honestly say, in agreement with Clayton King’s message, that “Christ's strength is made perfect in our weakness.”