Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last month we remembered the suffering and crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a yearly time when we are reminded of our sin and the horrible suffering Jesus had to go through so we all could be forgiven of that sin. We also celebrated His resurrection and the defeat of the power of sin, the defeat over death and the hope that is guaranteed to all those who turn their lives over to the Lord. What a huge victory that Jesus came back to life, thus giving us new purpose and meaning in life. I hope you are revived and refreshed by this promise from our Lord.
Knowing that Christ is alive and very much involved with our lives reminds me of an incident that happened not long ago. Each Friday I do chaplain visits and ministry at the nursing home in Cotulla. As I was visiting with one of the CNAs, she was sharing with me the struggles she was going through: a single mom, raising 2 kids, going to school and working a fulltime job. When she was not working, she would visit one of our Baptist churches where she lived. But she hated missing church when she had to work. I listened to her share her heart. After some time, I asked her if she prayed for God’s help when she was so overwhelmed. She had not. I encouraged her to do so: go to the Lord and just simply ask Him for help. I shared Matthew 11:28 where the Lord said
“Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
She said she would do that. I then concluded the visit by praying for her.
A few weeks later as I made my chaplain visits, I saw her again. We visited briefly, then as I was leaving she called to me. Looking back to her, I heard her say: “It works.” With a smile on her face, she had sought the Lord when she needed help, and He answered. My heart rejoiced to hear how God had responded to her need.
I like the words of the hymn that say:
“I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He’s always near.”
As you go through life, Jesus is always there at your side when you are going through overwhelming times and He will help when you call on Him. Don’t hesitate to call on Him, because He lives, we know “It works.”
Your Fellow Servant,
Bro. Loren