You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:1 - 2 It always amazes me to think of Paul in prison, singing songs, and declaring that we are to give God thanks in all circumstances!
I wonder what Paul would be saying about now in today's world? Often times when I meet people they are in the final weeks of life. The mountains have been climbed, the valleys explored, and the journey's end just beyond the next breath. While we are reminded that our faith is something that is meant to be uncomplicated, or not difficult, it is easy to allow the things of this world to disrupt our way. I was on the phone last night with a dear friend who shared that her faith journey has become more difficult. As she shared that she prays each day while she drives to work, and that she spends time reading her Bible and studying, she just feels as if there is still something missing. I think if all of us are honest about our faith journeys, there are just simply those moments that exist. The important thing is allowing them to just be "moments," and not our lifetime! I will admit that I am thankful when I make it through the times my friend is experiencing, and as the two of us prayed together last night, there was a sense at the end of our conversation that things would be "okay." Our faith is not something that should be difficult, but when we do encounter struggles, we need to remember to reach out to others, and to press on... Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018
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AuthorRev. G. Todd Williams lives in the Houston metro area and is a Hospice Chaplain at Essential Hospice, Webster, Texas, and is an ordained Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) pastor. Archives
May 2023
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