Life on Earth is Tough.
It is normal; we hit peaks and we go through valleys. Sometimes we feel the good times aren’t worth suffe
ring through the bad times. During the times we feel lost, lonely, depressed, guilty, and that we don’t matter, it can be easy to turn to things that will destroy our lives, like alcohol and drugs.
ring through the bad times. During the times we feel lost, lonely, depressed, guilty, and that we don’t matter, it can be easy to turn to things that will destroy our lives, like alcohol and drugs.
The good news; God has a plan and purpose for everyone! It is unique for each of us. He uses our experiences, hardships, personalities, education, and talents for a special purpose in His kingdom. No two people are the same, and no one else was created to do the special things God has designed specifically for you. (Romans 12:5-,8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
He doesn’t promise us our comfort on Earth, but He does promise to be with us during the hard times. (Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 34:18)
Unfortunately, sometimes we forget His grace and mercy and only hear what satan whispers in our ears… that we should have pity on ourselves for our circumstances, that we don’t have a real purpose on Earth, and we should live it up and do whatever feels right and pleases our flesh; this is not the way God created us to live. (Colossians 3:2) In the short-term, this may feel okay, but ultimately it will lead to destruction.
Wednesday was a tough day, as we took two men who have severe drug/alcohol addictions to a nearby rehab center. However, even through the sadness of their situations, we are hopeful because we believe they can be healed and enjoy life on Ea
rth more fully, as God intends.
rth more fully, as God intends.
I was really impressed and excited by this place! As I walked in the door, I was met with hope; a man sitting at a sewing machine doing an awesome job making church choir uniforms. As I took a tour through the building, it got even better.
These men, that were once hopeless, are taught different skills and trades; they discover what it is like to be able to make something be
autiful. In the next room was a young man painting a wonderful picture that will be displayed in an upcoming parade. I walked up to the balcony and saw wood carvings, some really creative things these men made; some are made for local businesses. When I left, I was given a wonderful gift; the men make vases out of folded paper and create very intricate and beautiful flowers from string (pictured left).
autiful. In the next room was a young man painting a wonderful picture that will be displayed in an upcoming parade. I walked up to the balcony and saw wood carvings, some really creative things these men made; some are made for local businesses. When I left, I was given a wonderful gift; the men make vases out of folded paper and create very intricate and beautiful flowers from string (pictured left).
It was an incredible thing that I saw happening here. These men were gaining back a feeling of pride and worth. They begin to understand that no matter where they were in their lives, or what went wrong, that they have great talents to contribute to their communities, but they can only do these as they die to their old addictions. It is the same in our Christian walk, we all have wonderful things to contribute to God’s kingdom, no matter our current situation, but we must surrender to Christ and allow Him to guide us.
I met a man with a great success story. He was an alcoholic and completed the three-month program at this center. He is now a great contributor to our ministry team as a translator, a hard-worker in constructing houses, and a wonderful supporter and friend. This program gives men a chance to overcome their addictions and find something better.
Sometimes, I find myself judging other’s weaknesses, thankfully God is quick to remind me; we all have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and all of our weaknesses are made strong through Christ.
Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Aren’t we all so thankful for God’s grace and love? Please join me in praying for these two men as they begin this life changing process.
Won’t it be wonderful when we reach the goal that we are running the race so hard to obtain?? When we will be transformed into the image of Christ, our earthly desires will be no more, and we will get to meet our Savior face to face in Heaven?! (Philippians 3:7-14) Amen. God is good, always.
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