Real Talk

Can we have some real talk here?

There are many times in our lives that we feel like the world is against us. Our situations, circumstances, even people. Like we are completely alone and have nowhere to turn. Those feelings and circumstances are not specific to whom they apply, and no one is immune.

Not even those who serve in ministry. In Fact, the great prince of preachers C.H. Spurgeon suffered from bouts of depression. He has famously once said “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me up against the Rock of Ages.” Meaning, that even in situations, circumstances and feelings that are hard, that for the Christian, they drive us closer to Christ and we ought to see that as a benefit.

I have had the blessing to serve the Lord in ministry for over 15 years in different capacities and platforms. Whether as Pastor, Church Planter, Youth Pastor, Collegiate Pastor, North American Mission Board Missionary, I speak from experience, that no one is immune from hard situations, circumstances or struggles. But what is different for those in Christ, is how we ought to handle those situations.

In fact, even the Apostle Paul had such struggles. He suffered much for the Kingdom and the proclamation of the Gospel. He was beaten, stoned, mocked, imprisoned, shipwrecked, etc. Yet he always clung to Christ. In His last letter to his dear prodigy Timothy, the apostle writes from prison, imminent death is waiting for him, he has been abandoned by his friends, his situation is dire. He Writes:

2nd Timothy 4:9-18

9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Did you catch that? Though he is imprisoned, been abused, is abandoned by friends, he asked for his cloak, ( physical need of being cold), but most important was the parchments, the scriptures, the things that would help and comfort him as he drew near to God! Then, he makes the statement, that though he was alone, the Lord stood with him! Not only that, but that Lord will bring him into His kingdom!

So though we are short of time and space I ask you to take these things to heart.

1. In the midst of suffering, we must cling to the Lord! He is our only hope.

2. Those in Christ are never really alone. The lord is with them!

3. Those in Christ have a promise that no matter our circumstances or situations, the Lord will bring us into His kingdom!

Justin Brown

Pastor, The Well Church in Sidney