Message
Christianity December 10th, 2007
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The message at church over the weekend was really good. Of course most of the messages are great but they always have a way of hitting home. Considering the summer we had, this was particularly meaningful and applicable even in reflecting back. The title was “Strength for the Storms of Life” and of course covered an type of storm you might encounter in your life. For us, I thought about everything we had been through over the summer with the emergency circumstances surrounding the birth of Keegan, my brain tumor diagnosis and subsequent surgery, the first months of having a newborn in the house in the midst of recovering from surgery with Rachael having to carry the load – it was storm neither of could have ever prepared for.
Aside from this, generally speaking, the message spoke of causes of storms in our lives – particularly those caused by our own actions, others, the natural order of the cosmos or by evil. The message began by noting John 4:46-54 (A family in the midst of a storm). What do we do when our world caves in? How do we endure? How do we stay steady in a storm?
The message moved into the solution. People who handle storms well have developed two keys. First, they have a faith that is real. Hebrews 12:2 says to fix your eyes on the Lord, don’t focus on yourself or your own pain. Also, James 5:13 says pray. Obviously important! Secondly, the message said that people who handle storms well have friends and family that are true. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says that two are better than 1 – if you fall down, a friend helps you up. They do this in a way that respects you, without selfish motives.
The message was delivered by a member of the congregation and he was a great speaker. He went on the say that in a crisis there are two components – a component of “danger” and a component of “opportunity”. I understood this and it really resonated with me. I look at my own brain cancer in this way. I could crawl into a hole and crumble over this, think my life is over and just check out. Or, I can look at this as I am – take advantage of life. It hasn’t been easy, and I’m still working on it, but I’m not crawling into a hole!
Anyway, the message was really good. You never know what you will hear at church but it’s always something that you can take with you and apply.
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Hi Mark,
It was so good to read your recent updates. I’ve been thinking and praying for you a lot and I am so thankful for your progress. I’m so glad for your strength. I don’t know what Rachael would do without your strength!
I am reminded of the night I gave you the 20 questions before you and Rachael were married. I could see strength in you then and now with your reliance on the Lord I see it even stronger. God has done so much in your life…so many miracles..so much love and care shown for you. I praise God for that!
Love you, Mark
Patti