Remain Resolved

While browsing social media last night, someone posted Pastor Pomeroy's sermon from last week, Pomeroy being the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, in Sutherland Springs. He spoke on the life principle of NOT leaning on our own understanding, even in the most difficult and challenging of circumstances when life doesn't make sense.

Now, with half of his congregation in the presence of God, including his adopted 14-year old daughter, Pastor and his wife spoke with reporters for the first time yesterday. Among his brief remarks...

"Whatever life brings you, lean on the Lord rather than your own understanding. I don't understand but I know God does and that's where I'll leave that."

Remain resolved.

Talk about a man who put his own sermon into practice. We would expect and hope that to be the case, but if you've been in church for any length of time, we both know that's not always the case.

One kind of wonders... what other option does he have but to remain resolute in his faith? But as Job was advised by his wife in the face of a similar loss, as the sister and brother who lost half their family as a result of this tragedy, the pastor and others within the congregation could quit the faith, and/or the ministry.

Sadly many do, simply from burnout, without the horrific experience and effects of such a loss.

But I'm praying this Senior Pastor will inspire other pastors, not only at the senior/lead level but also all those at the associate level who work alongside them for the sake of the Gospel and the building of the body of Christ.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, that are pastors would remain resolved, in mind, soul and spirit to remain grounded in the faith and press in to the presence of God where human understanding fails to grasp the struggle of our emotions in light of our realities. Pray for a strengthening and fortification of their spirits; that their faith would not falter or fail even in the face of evil and tragedy. May God continue to do a healing, restorative and revival work in this community, throughout our nation and around the world.

For the house of God
Is to be a house of prayer.
Not because of the leadership,
But because of the people.
May the church stand strong in their faith
As the lean upon God and not in their own understanding.
Resolved, no matter what.
For the glory of God.

- PNC