Dear Northside
I want to start by thanking everyone who has responded to the call to help us with our arrears and to pay the debts we had with Zimra and NSSA. Please may I ask you not to sit back. We do not want to be in the same position in 6 months’ time.
As I have looked at this situation, I have struggled to understand what has happened. Our numbers are increasing slowly but steadily. Our ministries are all going ahead and God is doing some incredible things in us and through us. We are being faithful to preach God’s Word faithfully and to lead faithfully. We remain steadfast that this is God’s church and long to be witnesses to His power and presence. But then we find ourselves in a hole financially. I find myself asking why? Why is God allowing this to happen? And I am not sure I have an answer right now…
What do you do when things don’t work out the way you expect, even when you are trying your best to do everything right? It is at times like these that we need to hear from God. To try and understand why these things are happening.
Like trying to be wise with finances, but feeling stretched because we don’t seem to have enough. How about those times when we work really hard on a project and no one notices, or worse, someone else gets the credit? Or we buy a special treat like ice cream to make the day better, but when the spoon hits the bottom of the carton, we’re still feeling discouraged or depressed?
Is this it? Is this really how life works?
So, what do we do when we experience these frustrating circumstances and unanswerable questions? Ecclesiastes says, “Fear God.” We trust He knows what’s best (8:12-13) and do our best to follow him (12:13). This doesn’t mean we have to like it! Ecclesiastes gives us permission to notice when things are just wrong. But the humility that comes with fearing God also gives us the life-giving and necessary permission to let go of our questions, doubts, and frustrations and lean into the hope that God’s ways are better.
That’s really what Ecclesiastes is about: losing hope in things like pleasure, answers, and expectations, and placing our hope in God instead. When we do, we’re fearing the Lord.
Take a minute to pray:
God, there’s so much I don’t understand, and honestly, some of it really frustrates me. I’m trying so hard to do the right thing, obey you, and follow you, and yet life is hard. Really hard! Specifically, I’m frustrated by [insert things that frustrate you or that you don’t understand]. Please help me trust that you are in control and working all things out for your glory, the good of the world, and my good. And help me lose hope in anything that would keep me from placing all my hope in you. Amen.
Read Ecclesiastes 8:12-17
God bless, Pastor Gary