God’s Pick-Me-Up by Darryl McCollum, CLP
The middle of March was turning out to be very stressful. It seemed as if every aspect of life was getting more difficult to manage as new and increasing pressures piled on. Without going into detail, both personal and professional stressors were weighing on me heavier that I can remember them being for a very long time. I wasn’t looking forward to work on Friday, but when I arrived, an amazing gift greeted me. This double rainbow, captured on camera by Cristina Mario, one of our fantastic Beginnings and Beyond teachers, immediately lifted my spirits. God reminded me in this moment, that no matter what trials I may be experiencing, the presence of God is always near.
Deuteronomy 31:6 states, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread for it is the LORD God who goes with you; God will not fail you or forsake you.” We can all be encouraged by the nearness of God. This rainbow reminded me of our blessings, not the trials. It reminded me that God cares for this corner of the Kingdom and is blessing us daily. It also reminded me to look for God in situations where I am not expecting and trust that God provides.
The date of the last Come and See class, March 24th, is a perfect example. I was expecting three people to come. However all three that I expected to show ended up with commitments that prevented them from coming. I could have been discouraged, but after recognizing that God is blessing this place, I bought the pizza, showed up not knowing what to expect, and God provided three completely different people in the class. It’s still to be seen whether they will opt to become part of the covenant family here at FPCC, but God brought them, God provided, God blessed.
I will be hosting Come and See classes each quarter on a Sunday at 12:30pm, but if weeknights work better for any of you that are interested, please let me know, and we can schedule a class to meet your schedule. My prayer is for all who call this place their church home to take the step to join the covenant family.
We are all members of God’s family. We each also have an opportunity to enter into a covenant relationship with a specific group of God’s family. This covenant is a bond that joins us in love, fellowship, and commitment to God, to the teachings of Jesus, to one another, and to this corner of God’s kingdom.
I love you all like my own family. Oh wait! We are family!
Love God, Love People, Serve.
Blessings – Darryl
