Today is a little more difficult for me than others. No, I’m not planning to drown you in selfpity. It’s simply a matter of one of those times in life that we all face. I must put into practice principles I’ve been trying to teach others for a long time. Bad things happen to good people. This is a fact of life. What I’m going through certainly doesn’t qualify for anyone’s top ten lists of bad events.
My wife and I went to worship this morning as usual. God is FIRST in our lives and today is no exception. This journey was unlike any we had every made. This would be my last Sunday worshipping God as part of the ministerial staff among brethren we love dearly.
The church is not immune to many of the problems that the secular world faces. Mr. Budget Crunch paid a visit to this congregation recently and announced that a staff position would need to be eliminated in order to meet the budget. Today was the day designated, by Mr. Crunch, as the final day of this particular ministry.
Leaving worship and starting the familiar journey to our Bible Class was delayed with hugs, tears, goodbyes and well-wishes. The tears were still being dabbed away during and after class time, spilling over into the parking area.
A door has been closed. This shouldn’t surprise too many of us. This is called life. I am familiar enough with some of you to know that you are where you are because you walked away from a closed door only to find another one open.
God’s word teaches us that suffering and trials should make His faithful children stronger. The great apostle Paul suffered greatly yet endured to finish the race he had started. The Bible also teaches us that those that endure will ultimately find victory.
Now is the time to practice what I’ve taught and preached to others so many times. ENDURE, ENDURE, AND ENDURE. Staying focused on the final prize must continue to be my goal. I also want to encourage any of you who may be facing difficult times of all types to stay focused. Endure! Satan thrives on kicking us while we’re down. That is why it is so important to get up quickly and not allow him to take advantage of us during our weak moments.
I’ve learned from the tragedy experienced by a dear friend and gospel preacher, along with his godly wife, to cling to passages such as this one from Paul’s letter to the Philippians; “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”(Phil. 4:4-7).
God bless you all as you encourage others to good works.
-Mike Bumbalough [In light of what many are facing right now this article is timely, RDM]
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