I have been called as a Synod Authorized Lay Minister to a small Lutheran Church that has struggled in recent years and cannot pay for a full-time pastor. I have prayed for guidance and answers to many questions on how best to serve them with my limited capabilities. It has not been to ask for something specific, but that God would at least provide me with the wherewithal to encourage and tend to these folks. I am not looking for a tangible, but at least a sense that I am following God's WIll for this special place. I have been struck many times in recent weeks that God, either through a series of Scriptural passages or even if I am out walking and praying or meditating, some aspect of the natural world will knock me out of my socks, as if God is reminding me in the natural world that God is nearby and that I am doing OK.
Here is an example of Scriptural affirmation. Recently a member was stricken with Covid. I reached out to her to send love, and prayer and we got around to talking about the effect our grandmothers had on us growing up and grounding us in the rhythms of church and God's Eternal Word. Today, in my devotions I read from Paul's Second Letter to Timothy (Chapter 1: vv 3-7) "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and now, I am sure lives in you." I thought how amazing this God would put this passage in front of me at this particular time and I wasn't necessarily looking for it, but there it was and it is an opportunity to remind myself and others, that God is active and that faith lives, generation to generation. Not my will, but Thy Will.
— Steve
Here is an example of Scriptural affirmation. Recently a member was stricken with Covid. I reached out to her to send love, and prayer and we got around to talking about the effect our grandmothers had on us growing up and grounding us in the rhythms of church and God's Eternal Word. Today, in my devotions I read from Paul's Second Letter to Timothy (Chapter 1: vv 3-7) "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and now, I am sure lives in you." I thought how amazing this God would put this passage in front of me at this particular time and I wasn't necessarily looking for it, but there it was and it is an opportunity to remind myself and others, that God is active and that faith lives, generation to generation. Not my will, but Thy Will.
— Steve
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