For I reckon that the sufferings of this
present time are not worthy to be compared
with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
This Sunday morning, when my beloved chaplain, whom our congregation affectionately calls, "Pastor Carl"...
present time are not worthy to be compared
with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
This Sunday morning, when my beloved chaplain, whom our congregation affectionately calls, "Pastor Carl"...
Took his place behind the pulpit, and told us the news that his wife was recently diagnosed with cancer, we were very sad.
Suffering, unfortunately, is a part of every person's life, and Christians are no exception. For we live in weak and aging bodies of flesh, with all its pains and imperfections. No one, therefore, is immune from the cruel blows of sickness, injury, emotional problems, bad news, or even death. After all, who among us has not experienced some kind of loss or hardship?
Thankfully, however, I know a God of mercy who is both compassionate and tenderhearted. He hears the prayers of His children. And while the Lord doesn't always answer us the way we'd like, He does care. He is faithful, I believe, to provide us with His strength and help when we need it.
In addition, Pastor Carl told us that, because his wife was advised to get immediate medical attention, he was now going to be taking a leave of absence for a few weeks, in order to care for her needs. And, as a result of this, our congregation's "elders" will have to cover for him until he gets back.
In any event, when my pastor had finished speaking, and before he stepped away from the pulpit, the approximately fifty prisoners who were in attendance arose to our feet and began to simultaneously pray for our chaplain and his wife. It was a special moment to behold. It was also a moment of our faith mixing with love.
D.B.
Suffering, unfortunately, is a part of every person's life, and Christians are no exception. For we live in weak and aging bodies of flesh, with all its pains and imperfections. No one, therefore, is immune from the cruel blows of sickness, injury, emotional problems, bad news, or even death. After all, who among us has not experienced some kind of loss or hardship?
Thankfully, however, I know a God of mercy who is both compassionate and tenderhearted. He hears the prayers of His children. And while the Lord doesn't always answer us the way we'd like, He does care. He is faithful, I believe, to provide us with His strength and help when we need it.
In addition, Pastor Carl told us that, because his wife was advised to get immediate medical attention, he was now going to be taking a leave of absence for a few weeks, in order to care for her needs. And, as a result of this, our congregation's "elders" will have to cover for him until he gets back.
In any event, when my pastor had finished speaking, and before he stepped away from the pulpit, the approximately fifty prisoners who were in attendance arose to our feet and began to simultaneously pray for our chaplain and his wife. It was a special moment to behold. It was also a moment of our faith mixing with love.
D.B.