Take the next small step of risk
Dear Calvary Family,
This Sunday we conclude our Worth the Risk series through the challenging and inspiring book of 2 Timothy. We hope to have you with us to worship God together through the reading of the scriptures, praying, giving, and singing to Him with all our hearts. The entire series has been a good reminder for me to take the next small step of risk toward full obedience to God.
"So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen." - 2 Timothy 2:10 NLT
The Christian life is filled with joy and with suffering. I know many in our church family who have suffered hardship and loss this year. Our hearts break as we read the current news headlines and respond in prayer. We pray for the people of Afghanistan who are facing persecution, including many Christians and women. We are keeping Haiti in our prayers as they endure the aftermath of August 14th's devastating 7.2 earthquake and the heavy rains of Tropical Storm Grace that are delaying rescue and relief efforts. And, we are praying for those impacted by the Dixie Fire in Northern California, the largest wildfire in state history which as of last night has burned more than 660,000 acres.
The astounding thing to me is that we know that we can truly endure any suffering when we have our eyes fixed on Jesus and the good news of salvation through Him. We have hope! We have someone greater than ourselves who carries us through the challenges and hardships of living out our calling. Our joy is in our God and in the mission He has given us to fulfill. We find joy when we live that out together. Better together!
One of the main messages of Paul to Timothy is to avoid the distractions of the controversies of our day and put our primary focus on the calling God has given us to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. I thought this video could inspire you to spend some time considering what God has called you to that is Worth the Risk. This song was written by a missionary with Greater Europe Mission serving with a group of young people in Kosovo this summer. This was his response as God worked in his life through this experience. I encourage you to listen to it prayerfully and ask God to speak to you about the calling He has for your life like Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:5 - “Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
We look forward to having you worship with us this Sunday as Pastor Matt Doan shares on 2 Timothy 4:9-22 - "What We Need When Life Feels Heavy."
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Eric