Utter Disappointment

David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple is finished. 1 Chronicles 28:20 NIV

Another Sunday when no kids showed up.

Another Wednesday night with no one for Bible study.

Disappointment over small numbers when I expected God to show up in BIG ways.

Low turn out for worship again.

Over and over again, it seems whatever I put my hand to is doomed to failure. I try not to worry. I try not to be discouraged. Unfortunately, the trying fails.

"Lord, I just love you so much. I don't understand why others don't feel the same as me. Am I supposed to quit? Is it time to throw in the towel? Should I just walk away? Am I of better use somewhere else?" I asked God.  I'm willing to go where He sends me. (I better not say that too loud.)

Truthfully though, I am a servant of God.

When no kids show up, I ask God what can I do differently. At one time there were enough kids to separate and add another children's Sunday School class. I know that can happen again, as long as I follow His lead.

When no adults come for Wednesday night Bible study or don't come to worship on Sunday. I pray and try to figure out why. What can I do differently? Is there something I'm missing?

As I dig into the Word of God. I find his message-be strong and courageous do the work! God will continue to help me accomplish his work. Do not be afraid or discouraged for God is with me! God is there, He knows what's going on. He will fix it. God will not fail me or forsake me. So even when I feel like I'm failing; God is not failing me.

As I trust Him. I know He's not finished with me yet and something great will happen!

To Stand on the Podium

For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. Psalm 71:5-6 NIV

The countdown was on, then I realized we would be gone when it began. Would we be able to see anything?

I am not a big sports person, just ask my family. I find it rather a waste of time to sit in front of a TV and watch grown men plummet each other. I'd rather watch reruns of "Gilligan's Island" then watch an endless ball game. I have better things to do.

Now the Olympics is a different story, I really enjoy watching the Olympics. The gymnastics, the swimming, the diving...I really revel in watching these events and cheering on the USA. There is something about us coming together as a country and cheering on our fellow Americans.

It's no longer orange and blue or red and gold, now most homes come together at this time and wear the red, white, and blue. We stand or sit proudly as the National Anthem is played as one of our home team won a gold! We proudly sing along and when it's finished we don't yell out "play ball."

It's amazing to me how long each of these athlete's have trained. It's like it's born in them to be a champion. Us average folks as well as these champions have something born in us too. Did you realize that God has been with you since before your were conceived? He has been there wooing you to Him. He is our hope, our deliverer, or strength.

There will be a day when we stand on a podium before God. He may open the gates of heaven and sing our own anthem while Jesus, the angels, and those who've gone before us stand around proudly watching us begin our eternal life. Who would want to miss out on that?