I can't help thinking about where Calvary Church will be in five to ten years. I know there will be "high water" marks and "low water" marks. The years ahead will be filled with great memories as we continue our pursuit of honoring God's majesty in all we do. I also realize that we will face trials that will test our faith. Church life will not be an easy-breezy coast along the highway of no potholes. Trials will come and they will be a constant reminder that we should not make ourselves too comfortable because we aren't home yet. These times of testing can be very beneficial or equally devastating...it all depends on our response. And therein lies what I've been thinking about the last few days: Our growth from trials will be directly proportionate to our response in those trials.
This is why James wrote "count it all joy when you encounter various trials." He knew spiritual growth would come as a result of a proper response to these times of testing. So, when trials come knocking at your door, stop and ask, "God, what am I supposed to learn from this?" And remember that God doesn't want us to go around the trial; He wants us to go through the trial with His help. I hope this helps your spiritual walk.
On another note I want to thank those who've served the Lord so well over the last few weeks on mission trips. Our thanks goes to out to Tammy Gilbert for serving for a week in Honduras. Our gratitude also goes out to Matthew Bayliff, Maggie Cox, Kacie Hines, Abby Linnerud, Ben Linnerud, Blake Linnerud, and Nikki Paxton who all served through Salkehatchie Summer Service in Blythewood, SC. These mission trips, though diverse, accomplished much for the name of our Lord. the sacrifice of your faith is a joy to all of us!
My hope and prayer for all of us this week is that we sense the smile of God on our lives as we live for Him!
Grace & Peace,
Scott
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