When Pastor Joe first asked us to offer up a statement of encouragement for CVC, our first instinct was to marvel at the timing. Had we given this statement a year ago, we might have been able to offer better encouragement, from a stronger place both in joy and in faith. Not that our lives have been exceptionally difficult – certainly not compared to some of the hardships that others in this room have experienced – but just that the sting of loss, the horror of sickness, and the pressures of raising a family have brought us low, with the inevitable fear that God might bring us lower still. Yet thanks to God’s goodness, grace, and mercy, this has not kept us from being able to serve, both here at CVC, and in our neighborhood and community.
It is our human nature to want to hunker down when times get tough, to withdraw into ourselves and seek solace and protection in whatever ways we can. But God’s ways are not our ways, and in Christ, the key to finding the good life is not to seek after the things of this world, but to die to ourselves, and in so doing, find riches and joy beyond measure. When we step forward to offer our service to God and his kingdom – no matter how busy we are or how small of a portion we can offer – we are putting our faith into action. In the book of Hebrews, after the author has finished listing out the examples of faith found in the scriptures, he concludes by saying “since we are therefore surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw of everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” and how are we to do this? We are to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.”
This advice is key to understanding how to find joy in serving, even – or perhaps especially – in the midst of difficulty. When we are motivated by a love for Jesus, His church, His people, and His promises, serving not only ceases to be a burden, but can become the fire that keeps us going. The strangest thing about serving God, especially when it is neither convenient nor easy, is that it brings more joy, more encouragement, and greater reward, even in the here and now, than anything else we could do. God, in his loving kindness and mercy, takes our weakness and undeserving talents, and uses them to bring about goodness beyond comprehension. We have had the privilege of witnessing the power of the Gospel to transform lives. We have been able to see the fruit of our work for God’s kingdom bring new life to our very own children, a joy far beyond words. When life is at its hardest, we get the privilege of seeing first hand the amazing works that God is doing in this church, this community, and this world. When we feel like drowning in pity and worry, it is our chance to serve that brings about joy in the darkness. When we step forward to live out our faith, our faith becomes alive, breathing and active and real in a way that we all desperately need.
And this power is contagious. We have benefitted immensely from our brothers and sisters who have stepped forward to offer up their good works in service, enjoying the fruit that their works have borne. We have been encouraged by the prayer warriors who have comforted us with their words. We are deeply grateful for those in the children’s ministry who have discipled our own children. We have been encouraged through conversations with those in the greeting and coffee ministry, and the hundreds of other faithful servants here who help to create an environment where God’s word can flourish and grow. Surrounded by so many faithful and fruitful examples, how could we not learn to be devoted to such wonderful works. When God’s people are devoted to good works, intent on bringing about fruitfulness for His kingdom, it is truly incredible what He can bring about, and there is no greater privilege than being a part of it.
