In His Hands
"Why are you so quiet?" Laila asked. We were between Toronto, Canada and Washington, D.C.
"Only thinking about what we have done and what is to be. I feel a peace about our being at the Bible College in Canada this week. Yet, the agenda when we arrive home drives me to prayer. There are questions I cannot answer. Ministry needs are pressing. Issues must be settled about the future, and I do not have the answers."
Sunday was a good day. Monday came. My list was made. It was too much for one day. And then emails and phone calls came. The list became longer. In faith I purposed one step at a time. Gradually the list was checked with completion. One thing more remains: I must write this letter to you.
You must understand that I have decided to increase trust of the Lord. He knows what is best. He will work out what He wants worked out, if we will allow him to go before us. Let me explain in some ways that may help.
Consider Nell Roberts, an accident, a broken hip, and a terribly bruised sciatic nerve, and numbness in her left foot, and pain—lots of pain. She used her mechanical hand and helped dress herself Sunday evening. She and Wayne, her husband, came to an event at the McCready home. She was smiling. Cheerful. Fortitude to impress a war veteran. She is IN HIS HANDS.
Consider Monette Helton, Nell's mother, in the same accident. She kissed the door of Death several times and came back. Yesterday she was walking, exercising–not moving fast–but smiling, cheerful, and asking: "Pastor, do you think I will ever live by myself again in my own house?"
"Yes, Monette, it will take some time. But I trust you to walk on your own, regain your health, and be in your own home again."
"I want to live, Pastor. I really love the Lord. I want to be a blessing to others. And, I don't want to be a burden," she said evenly. She is IN HIS HANDS.
Consider Dolores Johnson, who through no fault of her own went through a valley she did not desire. She walked the marginal edge of losing her home and her business. At times she worked three jobs. She tithed and was in church faithfully—and participated in ministry with good cheer.
Recently, she evaluated her situation. The business could get out of the lease. She could sell equipment and supplies. She would not lose any money. She took stock of her life. Her passion is teaching. However, she often sees teachers who have a heart but do not know how to reach students.
Dolores decided to put all her marbles in one basket. She is talking to a Dean at the University of Virginia and planning on doing a joint Masters/Doctoral program that will specialize in "teaching teachers how to teach". She is IN HIS HANDS.
After a restless night I leave for the city early this morning. There are many challenges in this day. There are precious people whose lives THIS DAY will be determined by actions of local public officials and MY response as the leader of a servant team. We are IN HIS HANDS.
There are other issues that will affect so many lives, I feel powerless except for a willing heart, a prayerful and willing team, the Spirit of Covenant Church, and the graciousness of Our God.
We are IN HIS HANDS.
Please pray for the Holy Spirit to encourage as doors of opportunity open. And that we would bravely walk through those doors.
Pastor Bare
"But when he saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd." Matthew 9:36, also Psalm 78:38,29; Lamentations 3:22-24