by: Rev. Jerry Chiles
What is an event or long-term situation in your life when you wondered if you would survive? You struggled against it and could see no end in sight. You may have wondered where God was. You may have even questioned your call to ministry. In John 6:10ff we find the story of Jesus walking on the water. When the disciples saw him, they were terrified. It was not until Jesus said to them, “It is I , don’t be afraid.” Can you hear Jesus saying to you “Don’t be afraid”? In John 14:18 Jesus tells his disciples, “When I go, you will not be left all alone.”(GNB) Remember God is present with you even when you can not sense his presence.
Then, as time has passes, and you look back, have you discovered some light and hope in the situation? Are there instances in which you can actually say “Thank you God”?
Dierks Bentley in his new song ‘Gold’ has a line that says, “Life is a wandering road. It might be gravel, but it feels like gold.” What an interesting concept! Maybe we are looking for gold which we cannot find instead of taking an honest look at what we do have. God can make anything beautiful, if we look through his eyes.
Is your gravel beginning to shine a little?
These thoughts are from Rev. Jerry Chiles, one of our partners in ministry for the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Metroplex. He has served in various churches across the Southeast as an associate minister. Contact him for more information about how he can help you.