02/01/2014
Sunday Thought… 2/2/2014
LORD WE NEED ANSWERS! I remember after my best friend Leon got killed questioning God. It was a time in my life that was unfamiliar. I’d had people in my life to past, but never to be killed and especially not in such a horrific way. I must admit that there were times after his death I felt empty and alone even though I had my wife, my family, and friends around me. But I made it! Then there was the diagnosis of cancer for my father. Now that blew me off my rocker. I said now God this is crazy! He is such a humble servant. I am serving you and it seems like he is getting worse instead of better. I want you to know that today I have peace but it did not come without the help of God.
Last week I was talking to a cousin of mine that also has had some tragic things happen to her in the past couple weeks and she said. James I feel so abandoned! I feel like okay God how can I go on from here. She said Lord, what did I do to deserve you to leave me all by myself!
Honestly, I knew the answers but I couldn’t put it in words at the time what to say so I just hugged her. I wanted to be sure of what I say and how I say it. Because let me tell you something I knew encouraging words but encouraging word I knew didn’t do it for me when I was where she was. I knew her pain oh so well and I wanted it to be what God would have me to say to her. I kept thinking I feel you because I been there cuz. I knew I wasn’t there now, but I wanted to give her a word from God not me! I knew for me it took great faith and trusting in God. So I ask God to give me a word. I said God she is not the only one questioning you. There are so many people that sometimes feel like, how can I? What do I do now? I said Lord you got saints facing cancer, divorce, and HIV. You got Saints dealing with children issues, financial issues, and death of loved ones, su***de, and even depression. I said and God these are saints dealing with this!
So God took me to Judges Chapter 6.
Hear we find Gideon facing a great challenge. Not only is he facing a change he feels handicap because he feels instead of God giving him more to fight with he is pruning him of so much that would have brought him confidence to win. Eventually he questions God. Saint if you have questioned God its okay! The problem is not the question. It is when we do not believe his answers are where we fall short. Gideon answer from God was I will give you the strength for I am with you.
Saints God is not a God that will abandon his children. He is a present help in the times of trouble.
Join us Sunday 11am @ New Jerusalem Baptist Church as we expound on the message “HEY GOD HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN ABOUT ME?” See ya in Jerusalem. The Church where everybody is somebody…
“INTENTIONAL INTIMACY WITH GOD IN 2014”
Reverend James Edward Smith, II M Div.
New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church
1881 North West 9th Street
Pompano Beach, Florida 33069
(954) 496-6103
