Day 10: In the School of Suffering
Today’s Message
“In the School of Suffering”
James 1:2-4
We would like to thank Pastor Bayless Conley (Cottonwood Church) for his message today and tomorrow.
Yesterday’s Sermon
“Preparing Your Guest Room”
Philemon 10, 13, 22; Acts 27:22-24
Pastor Bayless Conley, Cottonwood Church
Faith is not merely a belief, but it involves action. As the people of God, we are invited to live with proactive faith that comes from assurance in God’s Word and confidence in His eternal promises.
Apostle Paul demonstrated proactive faith in two instances:
1. Despite being imprisoned in chains in Rome, Apostle Paul demonstrated proactive faith when he asked the Church to pray for his deliverance and then to prepare a guest room for him. Apostle Paul believed that through their prayers God would deliver him. He believed this so strongly, he insisted on asking the Church to prepare for his release in advance!
2. While onboard a ship that was caught in a violent, terrible storm, Apostle Paul and all those on the ship were facing imminent danger. They were without food and supplies, and were awaiting death.
Suddenly, Apostle Paul spoke up to all those on the ship to take heart and have faith in God because an angel of God had appeared to him and assured him of their survival. Just as Apostle Paul spoke up and declared the power of God’s salvation, we too are called to proactively declare the power of God’s salvation to those around us while we are in the midst of life’s storms.
What is the “guest room” you need to prepare in faith? What proactive steps of faith is God calling you to take today? Who are the people in your life that God is encouraging you to share the message of eternal life with? What breakthroughs are you praying for during ARISE 2020? May God give us the courage to make bold prayers, to declare the power of God’s salvation, and to proactively live in humble anticipation as God makes a way for His people.
Community Stories
“Lost But Now Found: God Will Find You!”
Joshua B., e-High (9th)
When I went to Teuksae for the first time, I was very young. I remember waking up every year, and going to the church to worship God early in the morning. But even though I was going everyday with perfect attendance, I did not worship with my heart. Every time I went, I would sleep through the sermon, eat the church breakfast, and I would head home. It was like this for a long, long time. From what I did, you can probably tell that I was not a very good Christian, and you are right. Even though I do all the church activities, I do many things outside that church that I regret. I sinned, I doubted God, and when he called out to me, I ignored him. But then the pandemic happened.
Before the pandemic, the only thing that kept me close to God was the church. But when the pandemic happened, there was nothing keeping the bond between me and God strong. slowly but surely, the bond between me and God weakened. I stopped praying, I stopped doing QT, and sometimes I would curse God, blame him for things that I had done. Finally, the bond between me and God broke. When this happened, I felt fine for the first few days. But as the days went by, I realized how far I was from God. I was stranded in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by evil thoughts and sin. And I was scared. Not scared because of the sin that was taking over me, but scared that Jesus would not forgive me. And for the first time in months, I prayed willingly and joined DT. I started to go to Tueksae once again. And right now, my bond with God is stronger than ever. From this, I learned that no matter how far you are down the path of evil, God will find you.
Celebrating Everyday Heroes
The pandemic has changed the world. But one thing that remains unchanged is the love of Jesus Christ. We celebrate those who continue to share the hope and love Christ with those who are hurting and broken especially during this time.
Eunice An, NEXT
Kindergarten Teacher, i:Remnant
I have been teaching for 5 years, but in the beginning of this year, I was actually thinking about going on a different path. I had been praying about it for a while because I was unsure if this was what I wanted to do. I was only hesitant because I was scared but also felt that God was asking me to wait. Then COVID-19 came.
As the pandemic got worse and worse, our school eventually had to close down and we had no idea when we could reopen. As time passed, I realized how much I missed my kiddos. I missed all the sweat, the snot, the laughter, and the love they gave me each day. I was so blinded by all the negative things that I couldn’t see the reason why I started teaching in the first place. God definitely gave me a clear answer to my prayers. I was right where I was supposed to be. I had just been in need of a reset.
As I returned to school, never did I think I would put “masks”, “disinfecting wipes” and “hand sanitizer” on the supply list. No hugs, no sharing certain things, no field trips, no concerts, and no formal graduation. COVID hit hard for everyone and I was unprepared for all these changes. Every time I doubted coming back, God reminded me why I was there and now I feel a stronger connection to my students and am thankful to be their teacher.
God heard my prayers and though He answered them in a crazy way, He showed that He is always faithful. My prayer requests are for schools to not close again because we are finally adjusted to this awkward routine, for my students to enjoy coming to school and feel safe, and for me to continue to obey, listen, and trust in God’s perfect plan and timing.
