Advent 2022 – Day 14
Saturday, December 10th
Blessed Assurance
By Charlie McFarlin / Season of life: 77, Retired Pastor
Scripture
Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.
~ Luke 1:38 ESV
There are many times of joy in my life that I could tell you about – my and Trish’s marriage, the birth of children, healed relationships; but, there is one time that is still most vivid in my mind.
We were living in Salt Lake City, Utah, and I was working for a large technical company. I had just heard God’s call to ministry in my life, and I had begun to explore ways to answer it. I had just finished a job at one of my customers and was driving along Foothills Boulevard, when suddenly the greatest feeling of peace I had ever experienced flooded my whole being. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was from the Lord. It was an affirmation that I was on the right path and that God would be with me through it all the way.
I had been praying daily for years, “Lord, I am willing that you should have all of me, both good and bad, to do with as you will. I put my life and my will into your hands and ask for knowledge of your will for me, and the ability and the willingness to carry it out.”
Pastors are entrusted with the care of souls, but they are expected to wear many other hats as well – CEO of the church enterprise, chief program director, visitor in chief, among others. We are only human and must also care for our families and our own souls and health as well.
With all the ups and downs of life and ministry, God has been with us through it all and has given us many times of joy and assurance – from twelve years as a pastor, to retirement, to moving to Knoxville and starting several new chapters in our lives… We know without a doubt that God is, has been, and will be, with us to the end. He has promised! Hallelujah!
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank you for your enduring presence with us and for the assurance of your steadfast love for us. Thank you for our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Anointed One, and for the many blessings you pour out on us day by day.
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Reflections
When was a season of your life that seemed confusing, unclear, or not yet decided?
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Thinking back to that season, in what ways could you say that the Lord God
granted you peace?
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During your current season of life, what is one area where you could challenge yourself to more faithfully say to the Lord, “I put my life and my will
into your hands…”
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Lord God, may I “repeat the sounding joy” of who You are today!