Reminded of the Power and Priority of the Word

We all know that life is filled with painful, heart wrenching experiences. Sometimes these experiences are spread out and sometimes they occur concurrently.  The question is never ‘if’ but ‘when’ we think of pain and suffering.  After all, we live in a cursed world.

Recently some friends of ours found out that they were going to be enduring a prolonged period of emotional and physical suffering.  From the moment these friends found out about it they reflected the grace of God in their lives.  They did not shy from the pain, grief and uncertainty.  Instead they allowed themselves to endure the trial with heaven wrought dependence upon the God of the Word and the Word of God.

Our friends repeatedly asked for prayer, spoke in terms of their weakness, talked of the Scripture’s power and promise, and delighted themselves in the beauty of Christ and his gospel.

This past week the trial culminated and there were many tears.  But it was in the midst of the tears, pain, and hurt -Christ was seen so powerful and his word so sufficient.  The handling of this trial was nothing short of supernatural.

From a pastoral perspective this brings me great joy.  I know that ministry is filled with all sorts of disappointments and messy situations.  But it is a day like this that I see the accumulative effect of biblical preaching, personal disciplines, and service in the body.  Maturity does not happen overnight.  It takes time.  However, when folks are built up in, sustained by, and clinging to the Word of God they are mountains in the church of God.  They stand with confident assurance in the steadfast love of the Lord God.

If you are a pastor be encouraged today.  Keep preaching, teaching, loving, and shepherding your people.  God continues to powerfully work through his word to show people dependent upon him for life, mercy, and grace.

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;  the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; (Psalm 19:7-8)

Possibly Related posts:

1. Book Review- Preach the Word
2. Preaching the Word Commentary Series
3. Psst…What are you doing here?
4. Emotion in the pulpit
5. Is This All?

3 Responses to “Reminded of the Power and Priority of the Word”

1. BD says:

   November 12, 2008 at 5:02 pm

   Erik,

   Thanks for sharing this. What a timely thing to have recently attended a biblical conference about dealing with suffering in a Christ-like manner. I hope the family you speak of was able to attend the Carson Conference and were encouraged while they were in the middle of this circumstance. I pray we as believers would look to the sovereign Lord and remember that He has them where they are for a purpose. I can only imagine the great joy you experience as a shepherd when you pour life into those in the flock and see them grow in Christ.
2. Jon Wymer says:

   November 12, 2008 at 5:08 pm

   Your pace seems to be slowing down a bit. I hope you are well and finding strength in Jesus. What an encouraging post! May the glory be to the Lord.
3. Erik says:

   November 13, 2008 at 10:33 am

   Jon, absolutely slowing down here because things have heated up elsewhere. As you know in ministry there are only so many hours in the week. I appreciate the encouragement brother.

   Barry- the carson conf was great and will be a valuable tool for years to come.