Our Pain. His Healing.

I'm truly amazed by some of the stories, experiences and testimonies that provide the backdrop as well as the motivation of many, to be used by God when it comes to ministry. Just reflecting for a few moments on some of those told by previous pastors I've sat under are utterly incredible. Situations and circumstances for which many may have never survived, let alone recovered and yet, by the power and strength of God are thriving. Not that they don't still have difficult days, but they are walking daily as more than conquerors because their life and story has been transformed.

The story I heard yesterday morning, was of a lady, who at the age of 9, she and her two sisters experienced the unthinkable. Her parents were in the midst of a divorce, when her father murdered her mother, then committed suicide. Yet today, she and her husband run an organization that ministers to 4000-5000 kids annually.

Her testimony is quite the moving... as in listen with a box of Kleenex. And yet it's certainly one where she could disappear into obscurity and recluse in anger, bitterness, depression and destruction. But obviously God had other plans; and like so many other stories, it's a transformation that always begins when someone arrives at a humble place of being able to trust God with the pain.

I can't imagine such a road.  And I'm certain they have their days where they wish their story was very different. But it's not our story that is of worth or value. It's what our story, whatever it is, can accomplish when submitted to the authority and sovereignty of God for His plan and purpose.

May this lesson never be forgotten.
May this lesson forever be shared.

On this #youthPastorWednesay, pray for pastors that are perhaps still struggling with their life and story. For the feelings, thoughts and emotions that still rear their ugly head to distract and defeat them, may God continue to work within them. Pray for the healing process to continue, as they daily submit themselves to His grace and purpose. For those kids and youth under their ministry, may they be encouraged; that God does indeed bring about a glorious transformation for those whose lives are entrusted to His care and compassion. Though the outcomes are unknown and the journey is difficult and filled with insurmountable challenge, may they live daily; empowered by the Holy Spirit and forever changed by the cross of Jesus Christ.

For what the enemy meant to destroy
God meant to revive and lead.
For He knows that plans He has for you
A hope. And a future.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Christ our Lord.

- PNC

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