Mel's web page message

Jeremiah 29:11

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Two days ago a bomb exploded at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. It was certainly senseless and tragic as many were injured and several lost their lives. As I sit here today looking at this great scripture of comfort and hope, I can’t help but think how many people are holding this tragedy against God. I hear these kinds of phrases all the time, “ Why would a good God allow this?” or “God must not really care.””

Pastor Rick Warren said, “Bad things happen to everyone. It isn't your experiences that define your life. It's your responses that make or break you.”

This is how we should look at our lives when we experience uncomfortable things:

“God doesn’t owe you anything…”

Not fame

Not fortune

Not happiness

Not health

Not career advancement

Not long life

Not a wonderful marriage

He doesn’t owe you anything!

But God has promised to be with you.

He has promised that he will never leave you.

He has said he will walk with you through the most difficult experiences of life.

He said, “I will never leave you.”

That much is certain.

God has said most of the things you dream about might never come true … at least not in the way you dream them. But here’s one thing you can count on. I will never leave you.”

No matter what happens.

No matter where you go.

No matter what you do.

No matter what mistakes you make.

I am learning that that is enough. If God will go with me then the rest of it, those cherished dreams and lofty plans, just don’t matter. God is with me and that’s all I need.

Bulletins