Entry #23— All I Have to Do is Follow
Scenario #1
In a small city, a church completely burns on the inside. Nothing is
left. Even the glass front doors are melted by the heat. The Pastor’s library
is utterly lost. No people are injured, but all people suffer the loss of
everything they have purchased, built, and used to serve the Lord.
Scenario #2
In an even smaller town, a lone gunman ruthlessly enters a church
killing many of the congregation gathered to worship. People are killed. People are injured. People are distraught because of their
devastating personal and physical loss.
Scenario #3
In a small city, a small congregation becomes even smaller over the
course of a few years. Seniors pass
away. Families are mobile. The realization is that it is time to close the
doors and allow another thriving fellowship to use the large facility. No
people are injured, but the loss comes in the form of a passing heritage and
generations of work.
Loss comes in many forms, shapes, and sizes; as well as degrees of
grief. All three scenarios noted above
are true and are occurring within days of each other. My heart truly aches for
all those in Scenario #2 who have experienced true physical pain and loss. May our gracious Lord comfort those who weep. Yet, there is hope.
“For when the trumpet sounds those who have died will be raised to live forever.”
1 Corinthians 15:52 (NLT)
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 (NLT)
Now, all three congregations must face a new wilderness.
Scenario #1
Where do we go from here? How do we start over? How do we begin the
arduous task of rebuilding?
Scenario #2
How do we heal? How do we graciously accept the new faces God places in
the empty seats where our loved ones once sat?
Scenario #3
Where do we go from here? What will happen when the small handful of
members disperses into other congregations in the community? Will we ever feel
accepted and useful again?
Here’s what the Bible has to say:
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)
I will close with an old-time gospel chorus that I remember singing as
a child. Since I am now 60—guess that’s been quite a while. In fact, it was my
Uncle who reminded me of this chorus and we sang it together over the phone.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,
All I have to do is follow.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,
All I have to do is follow.
Strength for today, is mine all the way,
And all that I need for tomorrow.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,
All I have to do is follow.
Respectfully written and
submitted by:
Dotty Willmon, Resurrection
Christian
