I am sitting in my office and have already had numerous visitors come in to say hi. Things are always a bit better when the sun is shining, friends are close and the coffee is fresh and hot. It has been a long winter, a very long couple of years with all the restrictions and the masks. I am not sure anyone will fully realize how much the masks have affected our social wellness but am sure someone will do a study on that. You see, part of the fullness of our overall health is the physical queues we get from others when we communicate. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating for or against masks but rather am pointing out the importance of facial expressions in communicating with each other. Those who are hearing impaired need to see your lips when you speak, there are subtle nuances that they read in your facial expressions that help them to understand the tone of the conversation. There are those who will read your face as you speak to fully understand your communication. If your words say it is a beautiful day but your face says you are in pain, they will see the conflict. For us, this hidden conflict can be a stressor and the body, as a whole, will suffer.
So here is a question for us all to consider; is it really a
great day in your faith walk? Let me explain this for a second. We are
witnessing so many people struggling with their faith because they feel they
must be perfect all the time, wear that smile constantly so that everyone will
see that Christians have no worries in life. I know this is not the case for
everyone but it will speak to some who struggle keeping that mask on. Behind
the mask, the smile is gone and the struggles manifest as hurt, confusion and
doubt. There are times when we fake it until we make it but what is the price
paid? The thought of being vulnerable and transparent is, in many minds,
considered a weakness and to reach out for help a sign of softness. Did you
know that God does not see us like that? He sees through the mask and knows our
heart, knows our pain. He sent His Son for us to relieve us of the stressor of
sin, He sent Holy Spirit for us to find strength and guidance. God is with us
at all times and provides the hope and strength for a glorious future. He also
knows we will trip up, have struggles and feel less than worthy to carry on,
that is why He walks with us at all times.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the
more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on
me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in
insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I
am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:9-10 NIV
And in that, He will provide others to come alongside, to
comfort and care, pray and encourage.
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When
they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given
us. 2 Cor 1:4 NLT
We are never alone, He is always with us and provides in
ways we can not imagine. The Son is up at all hours and it is a great day when
we look to Him.
This Sunday, we celebrate the message of Christ, our living
Saviour. We invite you to join us either in person or watch online at 10:30 AM.
Facebook Live - Main Ave Fellowship
YouTube Live – You Tube
We look forward to seeing you this
Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Todd
www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com
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