I haven’t
posted much lately. The business has
taken over with no-heat calls and our marriage ministry needed our
attention. I am back. I missed sharing with you and can’t wait to
share more the next few weeks 😊
This one is
a bit longer than normal but hang in there with me…
My husband
and I recently had dinner with our pastor and his wife. He shared with us a beautiful story about a
toolbox. I wanted to pass along this story because it hit home.
This pandemic
has taken over for many people. The fear
is real. Covid is a real issue for some,
and those who have succumb to it know how real it can be. However, as Christians we are not to live in
fear. We are all going to die eventually. Some by Covid, some by other means. Only God knows the day and the hour of our
time. We are not to live in fear waiting
for that day. We are called to reach out
to everyone and share the good news of Jesus Christ. It is hard to do it from our chairs at
home. The enemy knows that and is
enjoying this moment as many stay home from church in fear.
Now don’t
get me wrong. There are those who need
to stay home. The sick, the ones who are
not able to leave their homes. That is
what online church is for. Those who can’t
get out.
However, the
church needs people in the pews.
Here is where
the story begins. My pastor shared how a
toolbox has great use for those doing handywork. Each tool in the toolbox has a different
use. The hammer is very useful for pounding
a nail in place. The plyers are great for
tightening a pipe. The screwdriver is handy
when a screw is loose. However, the
plyers are not as useful when a screw is loose.
The hammer is not as helpful with tightening a pipe. I have used a hammer for things it shouldn’t
be used for before, but we won’t go there.
The toolbox
is needed and not as effective without all the tools inside.
We are God’s
toolbox. We are used by Him each day to
help others using the gifts He has given us.
The people in the church on Sunday are the same. Each of us has a gift. God uses each of our gifts to help others and to further His Kingdom. If the gift that is needed on Sunday is not available because that person is home, the person in need suffers. If we need encouragement and we are at home when the encourager is in church, we miss out. We need fellowship and we need to use our gifts to help each other.
The church suffers
when the body of Christ is fragmented.
How can the
church help each other when we stay at home away from each other? How can the church start a revival when it
remains at home?
I keep
hearing the scripture, …For such a time as this. Esther 4:14
I have been praying
for a revival in our country and our churches.
I joined a
group of people who are currently praying for this country. Each of us has a state to pray over. I chose Washington. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do
with the small group I joined. He hears All
prayers.
Each of us
is necessary. Each of us a piece of the
puzzle God has created. We can’t be used
if we are sitting on a shelf or sitting at home alone.
Will you
step out and join me today? Pray for our
country and for our churches to be filled with people willing to help each
other and reach out to the world. Don’t
let the enemy fill you with fear. Let
His power within you propel you to do His will.
Psalms 56:3
When I am
afraid, I put my trust in you.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not
commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be
discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Acts 1: 7-8
7 He said to them: “It is not for
you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But
you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the
earth.”
Esther 4:14
14 For if you remain silent at this
time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but
you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come
to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Copyright © 2022 Peggy A. Priest. All Rights Reserved.