March 11, 2018
Here is the link to this week's sermon:
https://youtu.be/KA2ykgWl14c
Life is filled with challenges, and there is a good chance the challenge of recovery is one of the hardest. Think about it, you must recognize and admit the problem that you face, which can be hard enough. You need a program and supporting cast to guide you through the recovery process. Then, and most importantly, you must move through the journey of recovery. Along that journey of recovery you probably will face many challenges, including the feeling of isolation.
Even when we are surrounded by people, the journey of recovery can be a lonely road. The feeling of doubt becomes a huge stumbling block. Can I do this? Will I ever be the same? This is too hard! I can't do it! Why is this happening? Are you there God? Our doubt in the program, our doubt in our supporters, our doubt that we even have a problem, and our doubt in God can undermine our success.
While Jesus was on the cross, dying for our sins, we hear him utter these words in the Gospel of Mark 15:34, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" In this moment, Jesus is experiencing what many people face in times of recovery. The feeling of being totally alone, abandoned.
"O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have not rest. Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel." Psalm 22:2-3
The truth is the feeling of abandonment is countered by faith. We know by faith the nature of God is love and righteousness. Even in those times of intense sorrow or pain, when we feel the most alone, God is there. God is holy. The very fact that Jesus came to earth to die for the sins of all mankind proves His love. That love is for you. That love is for all who believe in Jesus.
Share that love with someone this week.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Jeremy
https://youtu.be/KA2ykgWl14c
Life is filled with challenges, and there is a good chance the challenge of recovery is one of the hardest. Think about it, you must recognize and admit the problem that you face, which can be hard enough. You need a program and supporting cast to guide you through the recovery process. Then, and most importantly, you must move through the journey of recovery. Along that journey of recovery you probably will face many challenges, including the feeling of isolation.
Even when we are surrounded by people, the journey of recovery can be a lonely road. The feeling of doubt becomes a huge stumbling block. Can I do this? Will I ever be the same? This is too hard! I can't do it! Why is this happening? Are you there God? Our doubt in the program, our doubt in our supporters, our doubt that we even have a problem, and our doubt in God can undermine our success.
While Jesus was on the cross, dying for our sins, we hear him utter these words in the Gospel of Mark 15:34, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" In this moment, Jesus is experiencing what many people face in times of recovery. The feeling of being totally alone, abandoned.
"O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have not rest. Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel." Psalm 22:2-3
The truth is the feeling of abandonment is countered by faith. We know by faith the nature of God is love and righteousness. Even in those times of intense sorrow or pain, when we feel the most alone, God is there. God is holy. The very fact that Jesus came to earth to die for the sins of all mankind proves His love. That love is for you. That love is for all who believe in Jesus.
Share that love with someone this week.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Jeremy
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