Pastor's Corner

Visiting a church, they didn't normally attend, a husband commented to his wife on the wonderful message the young pastor had shared. His wife commented in return, "It was wonderful. I can't wait to hear him after he has suffered." She was very astute and accurate. The most difficult things in life yield the richest of blessings. The Lord promises those who suffer and grieve "a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair" Isaiah 61:3. This promise is for those who trust Him. At the moment of sorrow and pain it is difficult to see the good the Lord will bring forth, but trusting Him in spite of our circumstances opens the door for the good He promises to bring.

Jesus spoke of His death and resurrection, liking it to a mother who goes through the pain of childbirth. The pain is intense and prolonged, but when the mother holds her delivered child and enjoys the gift of life God has given, her joy is so great that the thought of the pain she went through seems very small. Jesus was teaching His disciples that the grief they would experience for Him as He went to the cross would be replaced by the glorious joy of His resurrection and eternal life for all who would believe in Him. The Lord always brings good out of the hardships His children suffer.

Every heartache and tear of His child finds a place in the Lord's heart. He will give a new and deeper beauty, a heart of praise, and a deeper joy and gratitude for all He has done. "And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" 1 Peter 5:10.

Pastor Greg Brownell

United Brethren Church

Dayton, Wash.