Partners in Ministry Newsletter
—July 2022—
There is much to be considered as we crossover into the next half of 2022. As quickly as the year began it is now quickly being taken away. Each day is a day of remembering yesterday and anticipating tomorrow. Each day is a day to live, love, serve, and care for those whom God has given us; our family, church, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Each day should be a day that draws us closer to our Lord Jesus as we are reminded of His great love for us and the promise He has given us of life with Him for eternity. Life is really about perspective!
Country Magazine has a section titled “A View from My Kitchen Window.” Subscribers submit pictures they have taken from their kitchen window and share them along with a short article about where they live and what they see. I posted a picture from my kitchen window a few of years ago on Facebook because the view was really pretty and green due to all the rain on the mountain that year and it looked awesome (if only I could have posted the smell of fresh fragrant air long with it).
I wonder what you see when you look through the windows of your eyes? Some people see potential and hope; others may see disappointment and hopelessness. Some see beauty and others see ugliness. Some see opportunity and others see closed doors. The real issue is not what we see but what God wants us to see and understand about Him and what He is doing in our lives. It is not difficult to fall into despair over the things we see in this world, but we have a promise from our Father that He can make a way for us even when things are difficult.
Don Moen wrote a song titled “God Will Make a Way” based on Isaiah 43:2, 19 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior.” “See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.”
Don Moen wrote this song as he traveled to deal with a family tragedy. Its message is encouraging and comforting. The bottom line is that God is in control and can do what He wants to do, when He wants to do it, how He wants to do it, and through whom He wants to do it.
I wonder how often we have missed the fact that God has been with us during the flood or the fire. How many times have we missed the power of God working in a situation because we were not seeing what He wanted us to see to realize that He can and does change things according to His will and purpose.
I think it’s important to understand that no matter what the circumstance, no matter what the challenge, no matter what the obstacle, we need to be reminded that He is with us now and forever. Jesus said, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20)
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way; He will make a way (Lyrics by Don Moen)
Blessings on you, your family and church as we begin the latter half of 2022.”
—John—
