This morning, I attended the Minister’s Conference Brunch at the BCM/D’s 2009 Connect Conference. One of our speakers was Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA., whose church was devastated in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. He shared with us three things he learned during that time from Mark 4:35-41.
When difficult times arise, here are three things to remember:
1. You must remember the promises of Jesus.
- Philippians 4:6-7
- Romans 8:28
2. Remember the presence of Jesus (Mark 4:38)
- Jesus was in the same boat with the disciples
- the enemy will try to tell you that God has forsaken you
- in difficult times, we easily forget the good times and what God has already shown us.
3. Remember the power of Jesus (Mark 4:39-40)
- “Why are you so fearful? Do you still have no faith?” – Jesus
- remember that there will be an end to this time – “This too, shall pass.”
- The disciples were rebuked by Jesus because they had forgotten what He had done in the past
“If God brings you to it, he’ll bring you through it” – Fred Luter
Excellent reminders. Like the song by 33 Miles says, “The darker the night, the brighter He shines.” We need God to shine down on each of us everyday.
Absolutely Brenna. And I love that song by the way – hoping to use it in a worship service very soon.
-BP