I caught myself reminiscing of my childhood church friends the other day. While we have all scattered across the country, my church friends have always held a special place in my heart. Undoubtedly we share many great memories of heart transformation, pig piles by the bonfire, and countless other laughs we had together before we graduated. We all came from a similar mold, a comparable upbringing, and the same loving church family who helped raise us to know our Heavenly Father.  It’s interesting how we have all grown and changed into our own unique creations God made us to be. Some of us now live our disguised Christian lives as a teacher, a college professor, a nurse, a farmer, a cement pump operator, a pastor, and a children and youth coordinator. (I’m guessing you might know the last one. J) I can say for certain those mentioned above are raising their families in a similar manor – a few in the very same sanctuary and Sunday School rooms.

Something that does not seem as similar in our lives is the world we live in and are now raising our children in. Growing up my parents thought nothing of me riding my bike all over town for the afternoon, as long as I was home when the whistle blew. We didn’t have to wonder about our neighbors because we knew our neighbors and called them friends. I always thought my Sunday School teachers were a bit silly when they told me to invite my friends to come to church because all my friends already belonged to a church. Now, fast forward 25 years, and I find myself in a slightly larger community, I have had to get the plat book out to figure out my neighbor’s last name, and am faced with the sad reality that I am handing Bibles to children who have never heard the Gospel – right here in Luverne. Our world has changed.

At a conference I was at several weeks ago I heard the speaker say, “The church has never been the church in the 21^st Century.” Those words have continued to echo in my mind and have led me to wonder about many of the methods we use to teach within the walls of our church. Could it be the ways I was taught about Christ will not serve the children of today the same?

Growing up, the mission field seemed to be miles and miles away; probably because it was miles and miles away.  We sent our offering to our missionaries, who were usually across seas, and they worked with people who did not know Christ; that was my understanding of missions as a child. As an adult, I now realize our world has changed and it has brought the mission field right here to our front door within our own community.

Jesus’ instructions to His disciples, and us, were pretty clear. At the time of His ascension into heaven He instructed them to be His witness to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) Just as God sent Jesus, Jesus has now sent us (John 20:21) into this world and we have been called to go and make disciples, of all nations (Matthew 28:19) including our own.

As we march forth in the 21^st Century and continue our call to live and love as Jesus, some of our treasured methods of learning may not speak to our children or nonbelieving neighbors as they once did to us. May it not be so with us that we turned a blind eye to the changing world and stayed within the comfortable walls of the church. Rather may we follow our marching orders to go and be a witness of Christ’s love in the community around us seeking those who have not heard the Good News we find in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Marching on, Becky Ossefoort

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Bibles have been on my brain the last several weeks. We recently celebrated Bible Sunday here in church so I was busy getting those ordered and organized. (Glad Mike pulled the last one from behind his back during presentation time, because I was about to change a humiliating tone of red!) Our children continue to be great at inviting their friends to Pioneer Clubs and there is nothing like handing a child a Bible who has never had one to read at home. It always amazes me to watch how they quickly pull it in close to their heart. It’s their very own copy and in some cases I believe may be the only one in their home.

Bible Sunday is a special day for our first and seventh graders here at ARC. The first graders stand nervously in the front of church, excited to finally receive their very own “big kid” Bible we talk about in Sunday School and Pioneer Clubs. As I hand the Bibles to the children their wide-eyed grins make me smile. They too hold their new Bible with much tender loving care. I was told one of our first graders was so excited for Bible Sunday this year, he was heard saying “I’ve waited my whole life for this day!” The excitement is second to none!

This year was a little different for me. As both the Children and Youth Coordinator and Mom, I was able to present Evan with his Bible. He was also very excited to receive his very own copy of the Bible. When we got home he sat on the couch and said “Mom, will you read to me.” I jumped at the invitation to sit and read with him because he has been trying to get out of reading – and anything else school related – since the third day of kindergarten. When I asked him where we should start, he looked at me funny and said “The beginning! And then the whooooole thing!” Well, we did not make it all the way to the end that afternoon, but my heart was happy watching him soak in the scriptures, I know he has heard before, in a whole new way.

I was thinking about all of these events as I was evaluating some of our Discipleship Process here at ARC. During Mike’s sermons he has referenced how the people would cheer as the Word of God was opened to be read to them. Why don’t we do that anymore? While I am sure the seventh grade students were excited to check out their new Bible, the enthusiasm of the moment wasn’t the same as the little ones. When do we lose that? My heart is now a bit troubled, bothered by the thought at some point in our journey we seem to lose some of the eagerness to flip through the delicate pages of God’s Word.

Friends of ARC, may it not be so with us that God’s Word did not create enough joy and anticipation in our hearts that we tired of it as we grew older. God has created us to be lifelong learners, so may it be said of us we looked to our Bible with great enthusiasm saying “Yes! I’ve waited my whole life for this!” each and every day.

Becky Ossefoort

Recently I was able to sit down and watch the movie Radio with my family. The story is based on a real life situation that started in the 1970s, and is still playing out today in a South Carolina community. It is a story of love and going against the crowd and doing what God has called us to do. As the film begins, the audience is introduced to a young man with a mental disability pushing a shopping cart with a radio on the seat around town. Each day, lost in his own little world, he pushes his cart down the same route, always passing the local school football field at the same time – practice time. One day, some of the boys on the football team took notice to him and thought it would be a great joke to tie this young man up and leave him in the shed by the field. The coach caught the players teasing him, but did not get angry. Rather, the boys endured a couple extra-long practices.

Even after the very traumatic experience of being tormented by some of the players, the young man continues on the same route each and every day. Coach Jones takes notice and slowly begins a friendship with the young man. Early in the relationship Coach Jones asks about the young man’s name. When no answer is given, Coach nicknames him Radio because of the young man’s fascination of radios. A large portion of the movie shows Radio accepting and trusting Coach Jones and even becoming a water boy for the football team. While the schoolboard does not appreciate Radio interacting on school property, Coach Jones continues to get Radio involved in school activities – even helping the school secretary with the morning announcements. Radio becomes well respected by many of the students at the school and he begins to flourish and learn basic lessons he had never learned as a young man. The more opportunity Coach gives Radio, the more the schoolboard and concerned parents push back. The principal continues to ask Coach Jones why he is doing what he is doing. His response is always that he isn’t sure, but he is compelled to continue to care for Radio.

I was reminded of the words Paul writes in Colossians 3, “¹²Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…¹⁵Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

The compassion for Radio’s wellbeing by Coach Jones was very moving. I realize I am a little behind on the times since the flick is well over ten years old, but the story told will never outdate. When the film ended, our family agreed it was a great story and Coach Jones was a very kind and compassionate person. When I asked my children if they knew a ‘Radio’ in Luverne, they were a little confused. I explained there are many people who are different than us; people we choose to walk by each day without even noticing. Like Coach Jones, and Jesus, it’s important we are attentive to these individuals and have compassion on their lives. If we walk by them, they may never experience kindness, respect or even a real friendship; and we may miss an opportunity to show them Christ.

As we journey through this life, may it never be said of us that we passed up on being Jesus Christ’s representative in this world as we went about our daily lives. If you have never seen the film Radio, I would encourage you to do so and ask yourself who the Radio is in your life.

Becky Ossefoort

After Mike’s message about social media a few weeks ago, I’ve been thinking a lot about how the world has changed in my short time here on earth – both the good and the bad. Have the troubles of this world really changed that much or do we experience the same troubles with different circumstances surrounding them?

When I was about 9, I recall my mom crying while she was watching the evening news. It was the day we declared war on the Middle East and suddenly I understood the phrase “we are writing history.” A young man from our church was eventually deployed to the Gulf War and we became pen pals as part of a third grade writing assignment. When he arrived home safely, he stopped to see me and thank me for the letters because my small assignment had meant a lot to him. While the Gulf War eventually ended, the troubles and unrest over there has never completely gone away.

Fast forward twenty some years and we find ourselves experiencing violence here in the United States against people of different races, the same race, and even those who are meant to protect us. Logging onto Facebook or turning the TV on can lead to both joy and great sadness in a matter of moments. As history continues to unfold before our eyes, it is easy to let fear settle into our soul. Fear of the unknown, fear of what our children will wake up to in twenty years, and fear of what may happen to our loved ones. Yet, we have hope. We have hope in our God who has proven throughout history that He loves, protects, and cares for the sheep of His pasture. This does not mean we will never experience sadness or trials in this life, but it does give a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding. A peace that is usually too difficult to even explain. Paul wrote these words while in prison to those in Philippi, “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5b-7

God’s peace is promised to guard the hearts of those who come to Him in prayer. Our prayers of praise, thanksgiving and even petitions are heard by our Creator and in return we experience an inner calm that is unimaginable to the outside world looking in. This peace is more than what the world could ever offer because it is a gift of our Lord and Savior. When Jesus promised the Holy Spirit’s coming, he said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” John 14:27

For those that serve and protect us, for the young woman who just found out she is expecting an unexpected child, for the elderly person who can no longer live on their own, and even for the couple that wants to give up – take heart, do not be troubled, rest in your Saviors arms. He is calling you to cast your cares on Him, so that He may sustain you (Psalm 55:22) and give you peace in your heart, because He loves you.

Let it be said of us that no matter the trail we encountered, we were in constant prayer and experienced God’s gift of supernatural peace throughout our lives. May it be said of us that we persistently prayed for those of this world so they too could experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Grace and peace, Becky Ossefoort

The theme verse for the mission trip the RCYF attended in Benton Harbor Michigan a few weeks ago was “We love because God first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. It seems easy enough to follow God’s command to love others, yet I found this verse to challenge me while in Michigan and it continues now that we are home.

The community of Benton Harbor is very different than here in Luverne. Most of the community members do not look like us, houses are not kept the same as the average home here, and many are without employment. As my group worked the first day, we laughed and had fun while doing our task. As the day went on, the landscaping assignment was taking shape and we had some time left in our day for another project. A few of us began picking up trash in a vacant lot across the street from the home we were at. As we worked, we noticed some neighbors come out of their house to sit in their yard and watch us work. Someone made a comment that it would be nice if these individuals would offer us a hand or at the very least keep their neighborhood clean after we left. It seemed so simple to us, yet in this community these values we hold seem to not be taught. We discussed our frustration and wondered why they felt different than us. As quickly as a few judgmental thoughts entered my mind I heard a whisper say “But I love them, Becky.”

¹⁹We love because he first loved us. ²⁰Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. ²¹And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4

As I pondered these things in my mind, I realized loving others is not always as easy as I had first thought. Without even saying “hi,” I chose to not love as Christ loves me. Many times in my life my actions have been less than loveable, but never – not even once – has God ceased to love me. It’s true of all of us. Our minds quickly make conclusions when we encounter someone who looks a little different than us or has a lifestyle unlike our own. Unfortunately, because of these thoughts, we may fail to see the unique individual God loves and created them to be.

Our Youth Works Trip Journal summed it up this way: We were unable to love: Unable to love God. Unable to love others. But God loved us anyway. Not with a flimsy, only-when-it’s-convenient, once-in-a-while kind of love. But with a deep, all-of-the-time, for-all-of-time kind of love. A love that takes root and gives life. A love that fills us, changes us, flows from us into the world. And so, we are able to love: Able to love God. Able to love others.

Even though our stories do not all look the same, it turns out God is at work in each of our lives. Every moment we walk here on earth is our journey of God redeeming and loving us. May it never be said of us that we only loved those who look and act like us. May we spread Christ’s love by inviting others into our lives so we may share His goodness, promises, and forgiveness for all. We spread His love – a love that fills us, changes us, and flows from us into the world.

Becky Ossefoort

Several people have asked me if I have been enjoying fewer activities in the youth department. I must admit, this comment makes me chuckle inside just a bit. While I was happy to see the Midweek and Sunday School season come to a pause, the VBS planning was just revving into high gear. Tomorrow morning nearly 150 students and over 50 teachers, leaders, and helpers will come through our doors. Knowing all the details are in place, all Cave Snot kits are ready to go, and everyone knows what their responsibility is for the week has more than filled my time!

Soon our week of VBS will come to a close and then the youth group will be loading up the vans and trailer next Saturday morning for the mission trip to Benton Harbor, MI. As I look at my own calendar, I see the month of June disappearing quickly. Before I know it my kids will be busy finishing the details on their fair projects, and then August will be here. Yet, when I look at this summer’s calendar it looks a little different than the years past. Because of the new school start date in Luverne, my children will actually get an extra two weeks added to their regular summer vacation.

I say great! Think of the extra time we can spend with each other and do fun things as a family. Fourteen extra days for them to say “Mom, I’m so bored. There isn’t anything to do around here!” Ah, yes, summer vacation! J

So, what do you plan on doing with the days of summer? Have you asked your child what they want to do with their extra-long summer? I’d like to challenge everyone to put their summer to good use. Perhaps you could start by asking yourself these basic questions:

What is something you are doing that you want to get better at, and how do you plan to do that?

What is one new thing you would like to try and/or learn about?

Once a week, what type of service would you commit to doing?

As a family, ask the same questions. How can your family grow together in service, and shine Jesus’ light to those in your circle of influence? The opportunities are endless, but here are some ideas our family came up with to help get you started:

-Visit a nursing home resident regularly -Help a neighbor with yardwork -Go out for ice cream

-Take snacks to the hospital staff -Learn to play a new sport together

-Make and bring a meal to someone in need -Run errands for an elderly person

-Take care of another family’s children so parents can go out

-Plant a garden and donate produce -Volunteer together regularly

I know we haven’t added any days to our year, but at our house we have added 14 less “school night bedtimes” and I pray we can utilize that time to grow together as individuals and as a family. Will you commit to being intentional with how you spend these extra days or will they slide by like summers past? Don’t let this rare opportunity pass you by. We all know how quickly time can pass, so get started brainstorming today how you will not only bless someone in need, but grow closer as a family.

As I was typing this article I was reminded of our theme verse from last summer’s Power Connection. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23)  Go and be blessed to be a blessing this summer!   Becky Ossefoort

We all know we are better at committing and actually doing things when we have an accountability partner. So, Cory and I are willing to do just that. Contact either of us and we will check-in each week to see how it is going.

I would like to start my little article with a thank you. Thank you for all your prayers, the support I have received, and your help in our ministry here at American Reformed Church. I appreciate how we have embraced the tweaks and changes we have made. Change can be scary; but I’ve enjoyed seeing the fruit from our thoughtful evaluations as we seek do follow God’s desire. There is so much joy finding yourself being used as an instrument for God’s great plan.

One of the most recent modifications has been the children’s offering. The Discipleship Team desires to ensure we are teaching our children about what our offerings are and how it is an act of worship given to our Heavenly Father. The kindergarten through fifth grade classes have even had the opportunity to vote a few times where they would like to send our money to bless others. Just last week the children voted to purchase a foot powered water pump (or perhaps two!) for a village. I was once again surprised they chose a boring piece of equipment and not the cute pink piglet. After I commented on their choice, George A. Bonnema asked if he could say something about the option they had chosen. Eager to hear what he had to say, I welcomed his comment. He told the kids he was happy they had chosen the pump because often times when only one family receives an animal or something similar, it can create jealousy in the village. This was something that would go farther than only blessing one family. Thank you George, for sharing from your heart and seizing that teachable moment!

Our offering in February was for school lunch accounts. It was meant to help families who are caught in the gap of not having money to purchase a school lunch, but do not qualify for a reduced lunch. The reasons could be endless; maybe a parent has just lost a job or medical bills have piled up. Whatever the reason, we set out to bless families. We had a total of $600 to use to bless those around us. Turns out we have students in six different school districts here at ARC, so each district received $100. Now, for the fun part! I sat down to begin the process of making phone calls to explain why they would be receiving a check in the mail to the different school superintendents and other staff. Each one took the news a little differently. Some with great excitement; some were in a state of disbelief; others knew exactly where the money was needed. That was the reaction that left me in tears on the phone.

At one of the schools I was put in touch with the woman who handles the lunch accounts. I again explained what we were doing to which she replied, “God’s providential timing is amazing.” We both sat in silence for a few seconds until I commented she must know the perfect family for our gift. She went on to explain there had been a family who had been eating cold sandwiches for about a month and this month there wasn’t any money for sandwiches. We were both completely overwhelmed when we realized this would feed these children a warm meal for the rest of the school year. I couldn’t speak for a minute or so. We both sat on our end of the phone with tear filled eyes in silence knowing as sisters in Christ, God was at work.

I was blessed that day. It was so much fun to be used as His instrument in not only blessing the family who would receive the gift, but the woman who would get the joy of sharing the gift with the family. So, thank you ARC family. Thank you for embracing our ministry of not only being an example to our students, but allowing me to be able to share how God is at work through their acts of worship. May we always give generously from the heart, as we seek to glorify and honor our great and mighty God.

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” Proverbs 11:24 Becky Ossefoort

Often times on social media you will find a photo or a story that has gone viral. One of the latest photos was that of a drive thru window with a few young men holding hands with an individual in a car. It caught my eye because of what appeared to be three or four men in a bear hug, hanging outside the small drive thru window. Apparently the person waiting for her coffee in her car behind found it interesting too, because she snapped a picture. The story to go with the picture goes something like this:

A woman pulled up to grab her cup of coffee in tears. An employee exchanged a few words with her and learned her 37-year-old husband had just passed away. Upon learning this, the employee said “There’s nothing more you need to say. We got this. We’re going to do what we do every time we get someone who’s in pain or hurt. We’re going to give them our love.” They did just that as they all stood and prayed for her and then invited her to come back for prayer and support, as well as anything else that she might need. They didn’t make any excuses or worry about the customers waiting behind her; they were simply obedient and prayed with her.

I nearly scrolled by this photo without giving it any thought, but I am glad I was able to read what they had done. It did cause me to wonder why we do not witness more of this in our world. Why is that? Could it be you and I are not taking those small moments in time because we are scared, or we should mind our own business? I know many who reach out to the hurting without thinking about it, and it warms my heart. But how many of these opportunities are we missing out on because we refuse to listen or don’t think we can   do it?

For a long time I did not think I could take those opportunities because I did not know my scripture well enough, I was not comfortable praying in front of others, and I did not want to make them feel bad (Make them feel bad? They are already crying!) Perhaps my favorite excuse of all time – I was taught to mind my own business. Yes, my list of “not now Lord” was nearly endless and I was quick to grab one.

The truth is God has programed us all with the ability to do His work. God’s Word tells us this in 1 John 4:13 “This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.” God’s Spirit is within each of us, and we should obediently use what He has given us. God will use you to show His love everywhere, but you must allow Him to do so. It could be at the coffee shop, while strolling down the street, or even at work. Let it never be said of us that we did not take the opportunities God gave us to shine Christ’s light in this dark and dreary world. Rather we took the moment in time to be still and let His love flow through us.

“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Go and be used by God! I had the opportunity to pray with the person that came to service my vehicle just the other day. There are so many opportunities with each new morning. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Sit in the school parking lot and pray for our school and those within. Stop in and visit someone who could use encouragement. Volunteer to read with a child at school or help with homework club. Sign up to help someone in need at ATLAS or volunteer at Redeemed Remnants. While at work, ask your co-worker how they really are. Whatever you do, seek out God’s plan for your time in that place.

Go shine your light,

Becky Ossefoort

Last December we started taking the children’s mission offering a little differently than we have in the past. It is the desire of the Discipleship Team to be more intentional in teaching our children about their offerings to God. In fact, today’s Sunday School lesson for the elementary students is based on just that! Let me take a minute to update you on how our children have been blessing God with their offerings.

At the beginning of January, I had the elementary students decide where January’s offerings would go. They chose between purchasing a goat and two chicks for a family or clean water for two through World Vision. Each gift would cost $100 and they were excited to see two people get clean water. Well, they surprised me! Not only did they provide clean water for two people; they provided clean water for ten! Our check was mailed and we praise God for allowing us to be used in His kingdom.

Since in January we supported a mission “globally”, in February we chose a local blessing strategy. I once again proposed two options for the students to vote for. The option they chose was to bless those in need of help paying for their school lunches. This was not meant to pay for all negative lunch accounts, rather those that struggle to pay for their meals even while on some type of assistance. Our focus in the month of February was to assist those who are on a reduced fee lunch but still struggle to pay their portion because of other bills and circumstances. We wanted to help bring their negative lunch accounts back in the black.

Last month I checked with the local school to be sure this would be a possibility. We went through the different ways we could do this and I told them I’d see them in a month. This week I was given additional information when I went to get the details on how to best get the money where it belonged. I discovered the state of Minnesota is now matching the reduced fee lunches making them free. So, in order to bless families in the six school districts ARC has students in, I am working with the guidance counselor from each to find a family that does not qualify for assistance, but is struggling financially. The same goal of reaching those in need will be reached, but we are going about it just a touch differently than previously planned. This will be an anonymous gift and we will not know who receives it. These families will be sent a note that there has been a gift placed in their lunch account to bless them.

Moving into March, we will once again be supporting a global project. For this month’s giving, we will be supporting Lacy as she begins raising support to become a career missionary in Africa. Lacy is a graduate from Southwest Christian High School and has a heart on fire to bring the gospel to areas that have never heard it before. We were blessed to hear her testimony last fall after she returned from an undisclosed location and I look forward to following her life as she goes where God calls her. Today she will share some of her experiences with the children during our Sunday School time together.

As we continue to move forward in our giving and teaching, I am looking forward to watching our students learn how we honor God through our gifts. Please keep this and all our teachings here in your prayers as we continue to live and love like Jesus.

Becky Ossefoort

It was quite the week here in Rock County! Tuesday if you were not inside, you were either pelted with snow or nearly blown to the Iowa border. God’s big world looked pretty small out my kitchen window that afternoon. As the driveway was being cleared on Wednesday morning and I was getting ready for work, Evan approached me and said his head hurt. Determining he had a headache to go along with the yucky cough he had developed, I gave him a little kiss on his forehead and continued to go about my business. A little bit later he was once again at my side. He looked at me with his big eyes and said “Mommy, I don’t feel good, will you snuggle with me?” It did not take much to convince me to sit down with him curled up next to me.

As I sat on the couch with my little man beside me, my mind began to wander to the things that had been hurting my heart this week. It seems like every time my phone rang the person on the other end was delivering sad news. Headlines of illnesses, death, and ongoing issues because of cancer seemed to take the front page all at once. As I sat there, I saw a picture of God looking down at me and my troubled heart just like I was looking at Evan finding comfort in my arms. So, as I sat there, I closed my eyes and called out, “Father, my heart is hurting, can I just sit here with you for a little while?” And that is just what I did.

I am currently working through a Jesus Calling Bible Study Series by Sarah Young with a friend. Part of the reading this week was this:

“Do not resist or run from the difficulties in your life. These problems are not random mistakes; they are hand-tailored blessings designed for your benefit and growth. Embrace all the circumstances that I allow in your life, trusting Me to bring good out of them. View problems as opportunities to rely more fully on Me.

When you start to feel stressed, let those feelings alert you to dependence on Me and increasing intimacy between us. Although self-sufficiency is acclaimed in the world, reliance on Me produces abundant living in My kingdom. Thank Me for the difficulties in your life, since they provide protection from the idolatry of self-reliance.”

What a great reminder of how we are to lean on the Father in all things. He will walk us through our trials with the promise of us emerging the other side a stronger person who reflects the Master Himself.  2 Corinthians 1 was part of the message above. “⁸We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the trouble we experienced in Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. ⁹Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead.”

Even though I do not completely understand all that happened in my week, I know I can depend on my Creator for comfort, protection, and love. As the body of Christ, may it never be said of us that we were self-sufficient and did not rely on our Father in Heaven to provide all we needed. Let us not find happiness in things of this world, rather may we find joy in our sorrow and hope in our afflictions – all while resting in the arms of Jesus.

Becky Ossefoort