Romans 8:26-27

We are blessed to be a blessing

Dear KY family,

As you would have heard by now, an earthquake of 7.7 magnitude hit East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia about one month ago with devastating effects. And almost 3 weeks ago, flash floods swept through communities along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems in Nepal causing catastrophic results. These 2 natural disasters have seen a real loss of life, homes, and livelihoods. We continue, 3-4 weeks on, to hear of thousands of people displaced or missing, and communities still discovering the extent of the loss experienced.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Rom 8:18)

As we reflect upon these recent happenings, it can be difficult to see the hand of God and trust His heart for people whom He created in His image. In the midst of suffering through what the insurance world terms “acts of God”, it is indeed very human to question the goodness and sovereignty of God. How can a good and powerful God allow this kind of senseless suffering in the world?

Apostle Paul explains in Romans chapter 8 that if we start our inquiry with a picture of God as the great heavenly CEO standing high above the earth and looking down upon us with condescension, or if we see God as the grand puppet-master who is high up there and Himself far from and unaffected by the state of the world, and who simply barks down orders or strong-arms people to make things work the way He wants, then we will certainly have a problem.

However, Apostle Paul continues,
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. ~ ROM 8:26-27

Instead, if we start with looking at the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God who grieves over the pain of the world and the failings of His own people, who in the end reveals Himself in and as the crucified Messiah, and who sends the Spirit into the hearts of His people so that He Himself may, in and through His people, stand at the very heart of the pain of the world in order to bring healing and restoration and redemption, then the answer looks very different.

This does not downplay the real pain, hurt and loss, but it does give us a bigger picture of what it means when Apostle Paul says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” ~ ROM 8:18

May I suggest two ways we can participate in bringing our God glory even through these calamities:
PRAY!

• Pray for these two nations as the people grapple with the loss of life and livelihood, and seek to rebuild their communities.
• Pray for the Christians and local churches to rise above and go beyond to show God’s love and care especially in these perilous times.

GIVE!

• Give generously of your time, effort, and money. In this bulletin, there are instructions on how you can give financially to support the repair and rebuilding in these two countries.
• If there are other ways, use them too. May God bless your giving in whatever ways you can.

I pray that when we see the recent sufferings of the people in Indonesia and Nepal, our hearts may not only be filled with compassion and desire to help, but also filled with thanks that God has kept our little island-nation safe. May we never take for granted that we are blessed to be a blessing! Let us go and bless someone else this week. Amen.