Fearlessly Courageous
11/28/2022
Desk of Dennis Piller
Faith that Glows in the Dark
I have been looking at the lives of people around me and more seriously at Pastor Dale Brook's life since his health has taken, can I just say it? A turn for the worse. Even though there was a time in my life when it was naming it and claiming it…that isn’t who I am today. But at the same time, there’s a lot of truth about speaking God's word and life into situations that have gone dark.
So I don’t suffer from a lack of faith because I can admit that Pastor Dale has cancer or that he has long Covid or that he has Covid pneumonia. But I also serve a God who is Jehovah Jireh, my healer, and I am speaking words of faith into his life and I stand with him believing that he will return home to continue his ministry as he knocks on the door in just a couple of years to be 80.
I read a sentence the other day that talked about how often faith grows in the dark.
I believe that when faith is in full bloom it actually glows in the dark.
His son sends out a daily update on how he’s doing.
And even his son marvels at his father’s faith in his continual offering of the sacrifice of praise.
In the decades under Pastor Dale I heard many people share their life stories. They were stories of doubt. There were stories of miracles, things they had and believed possible. And there were stories of waiting – stories that still had uncertain outcomes.
I received an update today, that they moved Pastor to a Hospice care facility- on Sunday. But we are holding fast to all things are possible through Christ who loves Pastor. We are not moved by what we see but hold fast to his word. Please continue your fasting and prayers with us to stand in the gap for Pastor during this perilous time. We are believing for a Miracle!
But with all the stories there was a common thread.
We could all relate to the idea of not knowing. I don’t think that diminishes my faith it just reminds me of the story of Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego Dan 3: 16-28 who are thrown into the fire and said whether or not our God delivers us, he is still our God and they walked in the peace of that. Sometimes the stories I heard had happy endings. And sometimes they did not.
Sometimes God shows up in our prayers in a completely unpredictable way. We didn’t get our prayer answered in one sense but on the other hand, we’re almost glad he didn’t because of the way they turned out.
Does that ever happen to you?
In times of uncertainty, when are they ever? I think it’s OK to admit that we have doubts but at the same time, we must not stop believing!
Consider those boys in the fire, the outcome was very certain. But God! I know Pastor Brooks heart and he knows, this too shall pass. His name is written in the lamb's book of life. Jesus did not offer up his life in vain. His promise is that he went ahead to prepare a place for us!
What could be more secure than that?
But the tension between what we believe to be true and what we are currently experiencing is what is called faith.
I look at my pastor sitting in the hospital over Thanksgiving and I fully understand what his wife and children are concerned about. But I also know that in times of life-threatening trials they can often be the best opportunities to pass on faith to our family and to those in your sphere of influence.
Let’s consider four ways to invest in the faith of your family and friends.
1. Connect with family
Take the time to check in emotionally with each member of your family. There are many people still struggling with this virus and its effects. Or children or grandchildren that struggled in high school or college. This pandemic has brought distance between family and friends. Schedule a conference call, reach out, and discover what they are doing and what they need.
Galatians 6:2 says, "carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ". One significant way that we pass on faith is by exemplifying Christ's love and compassion
2. Be needy and be transparent
Times of trials and times of crisis is a perfect time to exemplify how much we need each other. As is age-appropriate, share your struggles with your children
you might be missing your friends, activities,
and the things that you used to do socially.
Tell them when they have a bad day to ask for a hug. Show them it’s normal to have needs and reach out. Your example will teach them to do the same. About eight years ago I had a very poor year financially. I talked it over with my wife, that I didn’t want the kids growing up believing that everything just works out the way we planned. That their parents never had to struggle financially or otherwise. I told them it was going to be a very lean Christmas and I felt it important to let them know even at the age of 10 years old the struggles we were having that year. To this day they have not forgotten that. I believe it was a great lesson for them.
3. Cling to God’s word and hold onto his promises.
Even more, than we need each other, we need God. The trials that we face, the pandemic that we endured, or even our battle with cancer shows how faith makes real life.
God’s promises are always there, but they become real to us only when we see how much we need him.
Write down your favorite Bible verses that best pertain to the faith that you hold in your current situation.
Psalm 112:7 "they will have no fear of bad news: their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the lord"
Romans 8:38-3"I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord".
4. Pray together- and pray for others too.
I heard someone say, a legacy of faith is a legacy of prayer. Honestly, I couldn’t understand that as a younger man, but I do today. The book of James 5:13 describes the "The Prayer of Faith" – "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise" Prayers for every occasion, good or bad.
Times of crisis are a great way to show your family the importance of prayer. Whether remotely or in person, you can always gather in prayer. Did you talk with your family and friends over the holidays, take time to share your needs with each other, pause, and lift them up to God as a simple prayer?
When have you experienced the greatest opportunities for the growth of faith in you and your family? And what have you done to pass on that faith to your family and others? Perhaps you can start a new family tradition during the holidays
Micah Tyler Different
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUT4trsrBCw&list=PLCd-wh1hNZpQRQZ73gnTCeUYflnkLMF_S&index=3
Excerpts are taken from an article by Bill High. A life of faith
