Joyful Transformation

My brothers and sisters at Northside in Illinois are hurting. I have never met any of them. I did meet their friend Skip last year at Zoë, but he has moved to Texas. But their church family is going through a very trying time right now. I knew that this was weighing heavy on my heart. After telling five of them yesterday that I would be praying for them, God made sure that I did. I couldn’t sleep last night. Over and over these friends and the issue that they were facing kept running through my mind. Finally, I told God I no longer knew how to pray to please just let my spirit say the things that needed to be said.

I think the reason this weighs so heavy on me is because I can see how easily it could happen. There were times in the church I grew up in; there have been times in the church I now attend. There have been times when it could have been me, if most of you are honest, there are times when it could have been you! God gives us what we need to bear each cross we are asked to carry. But we must constantly be aware of Satan and that he will use the greatest blessings of God, our love for each other, and use it against us. We can’t just be “strong”. We must hold each other accountable!

I feel a special tie to you folks at Northside. I will continue to lift you up in prayer, but I can see that God is going to work through your love for each other. He will bring the healing that your family needs. I know that you will give him all the glory!