The Struggling Economy Hits Home

I was privileged to see God at work the Body of Christ on Sunday. It was, what most would call 'normal', quite ordinary. There were no bright flashes of light or angels. It was amazing.

Our eldest son lost his job on Thursday. It was totally unexpected. He is the father of our two little grandsons and husband to a beautiful, loving wife. He is a hard-worker and a good provider. He called me on Thursday morning to share the news and said to get the word out. It is important to spread the news early and often. It seems that trying to find a new job is helped by spreading the information among friends and family who would have connections to other opportunities.

Being an obedient mother, I promptly called and emailed some friends and family. Many offered prayers for another position. Some offered ideas of places that may be hiring.

On Sunday, right after church was over, I had two people--ones that I had not called or emailed--offer prayers and one offered employment information. There are two other families that I know of who have also lost their jobs recently. My husband spoke with one gentleman and I called an other's family member with job opportunities that we had heard about that may be best suited for their skill set.

It was one church family member helping another. It was genuine care and concern for the members of the family.

Our church has had a rocky ride for the last several years. Sometimes it has been difficult to see God working. It was so refreshing to be part of how God is working. It shouldn't amaze me or surprise me when God's people do what they are called to do. It happens all the time with no fanfare or bells or whistles. Just people who have the right stuff doing the right thing. These folks never make the front page or get interviewed for the TV news. They are quietly doing God's work.

Often, it is the people with the right stuff doing the wrong things that get all the attention and give Christians and church members a black eye.

Is this a huge deal? Probably not in the big picture, I guess. But for one who was able to witness how the Body of Christ is really supposed to work, it was wonderful.

"My Saviour wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes, groaned that I might have endless song, endured all pain that I might have unfading health, bore a thorned crown that I might have glory-diadem, bowed his head that I might uplift mine, experienced reproach that I might receive welcome, closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness, expired that I might for ever live.
O Father, who spared not thine only Son that thou mightest spare me,
All this transfer thy love designed and accomplished; Help me to adore thee by lips and life.
O that my every breath might be ecstatic prise, my every step buoyant with delight, as I see my enemies crushed, Satan baffled, defreated, destroyed, sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood, hell's gates closed, heaven's portal open.
Go forth, O conquering God, and show me the cross, mighty to subdue, comfort and save."

excerpt from Love Lusters at Calvary from The Valley of Vision