A sad day/ A great day

A sad day. Another death at our church. Another man took his own life. Three men from our congregation have killed themselves in four years. I am crushed for our pastor. I don't know if he admits it or not, but I'd guess he feels in some way responsible, although he should not.

I got a call from Pastor on Wednesday telling me about a plan he had to speak to the men in our church. He told me that he felt the need to separate the women to issue a man to man challenge to the men of our church to pursue a relationship with God. He asked if I would be willing to lead the women of our church in prayer upstairs while he spoke with the men.

The Spirit convicted me, I told him yes, but followed it quickly with, "ya know some people aren't going to like it" Yes, he already knew that but he felt that he needed to do it.

On Saturday evening I went to church to pick up some papers, and I met Pastor Joel as he pulled into the parking lot. He asked "have you heard?" I had heard there was a tragedy, I had not heard the details. We lost another man from our church today, he took his own life.

No, it can't be. I asked Pastor Joel if he would survive another funeral of this nature. He replied that he was sure glad that he knows God.

I found the corner in church where I like to hide and pray before WIW Bible study. God, we're going to need you again in a huge way. that was all I could say. I wasn't close with the man who died, but I loved his wife. And I knew what a blow this was to our church body and how hard the next day's service would be. We've been there before, we know what to expect, and it's never easy.

Sunday morning the women did leave the auditorium, and we went upstairs and prayed over the men as Pastor Joel challenged them to thirst for God. Later we circled our men and prayed for them again, and sang as well. The spirit moved thru His people, stirred in some hearts. In a way, it was a great day.

It is precisely thru times of great trial that God shows up and his glory shines brightly thru the thick darkness. Because we believe in a sovereign God who has a plan for us, we rejoice in our sufferings. We know that He is in control. We know that He loves us.

God it is really hard for us to understand your plan at moments like this, but you have proved yourself faithful over and over in the lives of your people from Bible times until today, and we rejoice that again you will be faithful. May you continue to work in the hearts of the men who heard your challenge today. May they see clearly how much they need you in their lives. Break down the great wall of barriers that keeps our men from having a daily relationship with you. You are so amazing, we put all our trust in YOU.