There is Hope in Pain | June 15th

  “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”

  “Follow me.”

“Lord, what about this man?”

“If it is my will that he remains until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

  John 21:18-19,21-22

  Beloved, illness and the transition from this life to eternity are experiences common to all. The timing and manner of these events remain within the providence of God.

  In these moments, let us remember that such experiences do not diminish God’s grace or indicate a lack of rest in the promise of heaven. Jesus informed Peter of his impending martyrdom, prompting Peter to inquire about John’s future. Jesus responded that Peter should not be concerned with John, but rather focus on following Him. In both sickness and death, we are called to follow Christ. Our assurance lies in the sufficiency of His grace and His sustaining presence.

  Not every believer transitions peacefully into eternity. This journey may involve prolonged suffering and pain, yet such experiences do not signify exclusion from the Father’s table. Sickness is not evidence of God’s displeasure. Although we cannot determine the nature of our trials or the manner of our departure from this life, we can place our trust in God throughout every circumstance.

  Paul discovered the sufficiency of God’s grace through the persistent affliction he described as a thorn in his flesh. Consequently, he took pride in his weakness, allowing the power of God to be more clearly revealed. Heaven is a reality, and our Lord awaits our arrival, regardless of the manner in which we cross from this life to the promised shore.

 Until then, let us follow Christ in all seasons, knowing that He has gone ahead to prepare a blessing for us with Him.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight