No Negating Joy

Yes, this is another late day post. But interestingly enough there's a consistent theme.

If you heard any of the press conference or interviews from the Head Coach of University of Michigan basketball after last night's loss against Villanova, you know it's an act of true leadership; that skips past the conversations "if we hadn't done that and if we had only done this instead" or "we gave it all our and it wasn't enough", etc. We've all heard the post-game speeches.

Coach was straight up. Proud of what they had accomplished. Bummed about the loss. But that's life. One's current state of sadness doesn't negate all the moments of greatness and joy that came before.

If that weren't enough, my wife is watching television. The lead character is defining the character trait that even in the midst of great trials and obstacles, one is able to persevere and overcome; maintaining a positive outlook that they are not defined by their circumstances... simply present in them and responsible for how they react to them.

One would think that a person of faith would have no problem living with such a healthy and balanced perspective in their life. Even more so, for those in ministry. Is their faith not unshakable?

Indeed, though life happens to us all. And often, the stories of others can be more overwhelming and harder to handle than our own. Given enough time, enough conversations... the joys can seem lost and all too infrequent.

So, on this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those struggling to maintain and remember the moments of joy. Pray the joy of the Lord would be their strength, even in times of trials and obstacles, suffering and loss. May they be encouraged by the sovereign hand of God. Pray that God would help in their conversations, as they minister and walk with others. May they stand firm in the faith, focused on the plans and purposes of God; for the sake of eternity, not just their time on Earth.

For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC