Friday (3/27) Update

REFLECTION

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. — 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 (NASB95)

Most Christians know that God is our comfort and strength in difficult times. Yet, most of us know that we don’t always feel comfortable or comforted.

There are many reasons such a disconnect can happen. Near the top of the list of challenges we face is the hard to accept truth of God’s amazing grace. We want to earn or work or deserve comfort rather than just accept it freely.

Comfort doesn’t feel right because it's different than we expect. It's like we are used to having a blanket that's too small. All the sudden our spiritual toes are covered. It feels weird. 

Other times we aren’t looking for strength because we don't think we've met the prerequisites. We don't deserve help or we don't see the help we have because we aren't expecting it.

It is only from the place of grace that we can be truly comforted and strengthened. 

In fact, the language of 2 Thessalonians 2:17 seems to indicate that we draw comfort and strength AS we engage every good work and deed BECAUSE God’s love and comfort and hope have led us to good works and words.

That’s a beautiful cycle that only starts from a place of grace. It doesn’t stay still, but moves out to others in word and deed because God has moved into us.

Brothers and sisters, God has loved you and given you eternal comfort and good hope by grace.  Draw comfort and strength as you love others in this season of trials.

In Christ,

Pastor Mike

Tune in for our live stream activities this Sunday (3/29) on our Facebook page:

8:45 AM Sunday school 

10:00 AM Crossroads Family Worship 

CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CHURCH

A diverse people, united in Christ, with hearts being transformed by God’s Word, to expand His kingdom in our community