Don't Know Joy Without Sorrow

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

Lamentations 3:22-26

This verse was the basis of our God given church service yesterday. Since the church building is in a mandatory evacuation zone, we held a makeshift service inside the conference room of a local hotel. Pastor graciously reminded us that the people are the church, and not the building. Together, with our sister church, we gathered to worship and praise God as a community of believers.

Service began with several songs that seemed to touch each person on an individual, spiritual basis ("Mighty Fortress Is Our God," "He Leadeth Me! OBlessed Thought,""Abide With Me," "Great is Thy Faithfulness, & "It Is Well With My Soul."). Then Pastor Mike invited some time for the sharing of stories, thoughts, and concerns dealing with the fire. This was perhaps the most inspiring portion of the service. While listening, I was amazed to hear not one negative comment or thought about the tragedies occurring to individuals and their church family. Instead, we heard believers professing the goodness of God's hands, the thankfulness they had towards Christ, the protection they received from the Lord, and the comfort His believers have continuously and freely given. You could feel the life in these believers. Even though their world's are caving in as I write this, they continue to profess and acknowledge that the Lord knows best. At one point in the service, Pastor Mike asked all of those who were displaced to raise their hands. We looked around and saw nearly 60% of church members had been evacuated and displaced. At least two families have lost their homes and many more are waiting to hear. It's incredible to think that something as small as a spark can start such an immense and destructive fire.

Pastor Mike continued the service with a sermon preached on Lamentations 3:21-27. It was such a powerful and meaningful message to all who listened. We were reminded of the faithfulness of our God and that nothing can separate us from Him. Pastor also reminded us that there is a time for everything, including the sorrowful and destructive events occurring in Sierra Vista. We cannot know the blessings of joy without the experience of sorrow. But, what joy comes out of sorrow?! This is such a blessed truth. In times like this, we are able to witness the amazing power, spirit, and hand of God working through lives that may have never been touched otherwise. What great joy!

So, as you finish reading this, please continue to pray for joy. Pray also for the safety of those fighting this fire, for the comfort needed by those who have lost everything, for the resources  needed to keep this community alive and well, and for the continuous acknowledgement of the joys of the Lord!


This most certainly is the day the Lord has made,
K

Country Estates Baptist Church: The fire came through this area last night. As of today, there is confirmation that the church is still standing!