You Will Make It!!!

Beloved,

Today is Wednesday. I have to make sure that I stay clear with that myself as the days seem to start to run together as the disruption of our normal life patterns has become our "new normal" as some would say.

It is easy to look at what is going on and to almost get caught up in a wave of worry, anxiety, doubt, and depression leading to negative impacts on our health, wealth, and relationships; BUT, we do not have to live that way.

Let us be honest. I want you to take a step back and think about some of the life situations that God has already brought you through in your life. When you did not know how you were going to make your way forward, when you dreaded waking up and having to face a new day, when the end of the day seemed to be more appealing than the beginning of a new day, what did you do?

Let me help you in answering. Because you are reading this email right now, YOU MADE IT!!!

Now, if we are going to be completely honest, our making it was truly all because of the grace, mercy, and love of God.

God has taken you through some things in your life so that you can be a living witness to His greatness and His power over all things.

And, because you have made it, you should have every confidence that you are going to continue to make it.

But, in case you need a reminder, the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:7 the plan for making it, "For we walk by faith, not be sight."

Beloved, when cancer showed up, you or somebody you know made it. It did not look good, but your faith was rewarded.

Beloved, when the layoffs and furloughs came, you or somebody you know made it. It did not look good, but your faith was rewarded.

Beloved, when the marriage got rocky, when the children acted up and out, when you wanted to call your brothers, sisters, and friends something other than brothers, sisters, and friends, you or somebody you know made it. It did not look good, but your faith was rewarded.

When somebody can victoriously shout, "I thank God that I do not look like everything that I have been through", somebody's faith has been rewarded.

And, beloved, do understand, it may not be the one who goes directly through. Sometimes, you have to have enough faith for somebody else to make it through. And, God will give you that faith.

When trying times come, and they have certainly come with COVID-19, you need to remember the words of Psalm 61:2-3, "From the end of the earth, I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy."

And, beloved, know that the enemy is not always the situation you are going through. Sometimes, the enemy is the fear of what you are going through that may seem to do battle with your faith. The situation is visible. The outcome is uncertain. You can only see what you see. What will you do?

YOU WILL MAKE IT...if you will walk by faith and not by sight.

We must understand one thing about God. God is our creator, our provider, our sustainer, and our defender, and He is deeply in love with us.

That love of God for us should inspire us to know that while we are fearfully and wonderfully made, we are also never left behind or forsaken by the God who can do anything but fail.

So, as you face this day, when opposition comes against you, turn to your faith in God and tell yourself, "You will make it!"

COVID-19 is not your first battle won and it will not be the source of your defeat...as long as you keep the faith. God loves you too much for that to happen.

And, God's love for us has made it possible for us to make it by staying connected as a church family as well as inviting other family and friends to journey through this time with us.

I encourage you to stay connected. Below, you will see two points of connection for today. Please connect with us if it is at all possible. (DO NOTE THAT SOME PHONE NUMBERS AND MEMBER ID'S HAVE CHANGED AND PLEASE SHARE BROADLY. NO ONE WHO CAN CONNECT SHOULD HAVE TO FEEL ALONE AT THIS TIME.)

Connections for Wednesday

WEDNESDAY

Noonday Prayer Call at 12pm/noon

(301) 715-8592

Meeting ID: 869-9960-3471

WEDNESDAY

HOPE Wednesday at 6:30pm

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/537763787

Meeting ID: 537 763 787

OR

(301) 715-8592

Meeting ID: 537 763 787

I look forward to speaking with you soon at Noonday Prayer and at HOPE Wednesday as we help each other to make it.

And, remember, God loves you and I love you too!

Be blessed,

Rev. Cain