From the Pastor’s Heart
(July 18, 2010)
This morning (Thursday) as part of my devotions, I was reading the amazing story of Job. One of the counselors to Job named Eliphaz said to him, “God wounds, but He also binds up; God injures, but His hands also heal” (5:18).
When any of us go through difficult times, whether they economic or physical, emotional or familial struggles, we all have said, “OUCH.” It is a normal reaction. But God has shown me something special through the years. In my own life, as well as in so many testimonies in the lives of those I have known (even in this congregation). And that is that we know that God is orchestrating these events.
God is pictured in John 15 as the gardener who is pruning the bush so that the bush might bear even more fruit. We must remember that God has a plan for each of us even in the struggles, wounds and injuries.
In the wounding for our benefit, He binds us up. In the injuries (trials) that we endure, He is the Healer.
Moses illustrates this well in Deuteronomy 32:11 when he says, “like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions.”
That eagle (God) nourishes the young and cares for them. As they grow and develop, He nudges the eagles out of the nest and causes them to grow. God has not created us in this life to only enjoy the comforts, but rather to move on… to move forward… to grow. But when those babes are pushed out of the nest, the eagle swoops down to catch them, if needed, because they are his children.
What is God doing to get you out of your comfort zone?
At first it might seem cruel, or wounding, or injurious… that is, until we are met with the eagle’s wings…. Until we are met with the binding and healing… and growth in Him.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
Also, may I humbly request your prayers. On the 27th of this month I will be going into the hospital for complete knee replacement on my left knee. The pain for many weeks is almost unbearable and the knee is completely bone on bone. The doctor told me on Wednesday that there were no other options. I will be out of commission for a few weeks, and Pastor Steve and the Elders of Niemonds will do a remarkable job of ministry. We have a great fellowship here, and such a great God.
