If you are like me, you probably wake up in the morning and wonder what kind of bad news you will hear given coronavirus, the economy, unemployment, etc. There definitely can be an underlying stress that goes with all of this.
We also wonder how this can impact AGO. Will online classes change how the brothers interact? Will everyone come back to live together? How do you do rush through Zoom? How will the brotherhood be strengthened or weakened because of all this? How are my fellow alumni coping with these stresses on their work and family lives?
The questions are many and can become overwhelming.
But as I was feeding on God’s word in Psalm 112, the Lord provided the needed wisdom and understanding.
Verse 1 gives the perspective
“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments!”
The command to praise the Lord is followed by the implied challenge. Do I delight in his commandments? Do I delight in His word? Do I delight in Him?
Later in verses 7-8, we get the answers:
“He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm; trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid.”
So there it is. When I praise Him and when I delight in His word, I don’t have to be afraid of bad news. My heart is firm and steady. I do not need to be afraid.
“Bad news” becomes just “news.” Our trust in Jesus brings whatever information we receive as just another opportunity to trust Him to handle it. That is how AGO thrives during these times. We have received many stories of how actives and alumni alike have found new and creative ways to stay in touch, reach out to hurting brothers, and remain centered in Christ. I have seen men more willing to share their struggles and ask for prayer. More caring. More conversation. More exemplifying Christ.
The Lord uses both good times and bad to bring us closer to Him. Let’s continue to pray at noon for AGO. Reach out to fellow brothers. Imagine how the Lord can use AGO and make His name known during this time. I know I am thankful to be a part of AGO and to know I’ll be spending eternity with you.
Let’s continue to support AGO so we can be a light to a world that is full of fear and hurt.
Thank you,
Jim Johnson
AGO Ministries