Most
of you are aware of the personal trials I have experienced over the past
couple of years, culminating with the arrival in Heaven of my father on
May 11th. Several
years ago prior to my recent trials, I noticed that the Lord was
continually directing me towards books, songs and scripture which related
to persevering through trials. At
the time, I was not going through any particular tribulation.
As a matter of fact, everything was going very well; however I knew
deep down something was over the horizon for the Lord to be continually
leading me to prepare for something.
Prior to any of the recent adversities transpiring, I had prayed
that whatever was on the horizon, that the Lord would allow me to escape
that trial, or at a minimum to strengthen me for what was to come.
Over
the next couple of years, our family endured several calamities which
included a major fire on our farm, my wife suffering a miscarriage and
being involved in a wreck which totaled her vehicle, and my dad going
through several physical trials, which ended in a diagnosis of cancer.
The Lord did not prevent these trials, but he helped to prepare me,
was with me through them, and has ministered to me afterwards.
We
all will go through trials at some point in our life.
If you have not suffered a major trial, tribulation or loss, it
will occur. I can tell you
from personal experience that the feeling of security while under the
shelter of the Lord’s love is indescribable. He hurts when you hurt.
He feels your pain and like a loving Father, wants you to reach out
to Him. My father’s
homegoing felt like a part of me had been ripped out of my soul; however
the Lord’s love and peace has been like a soothing balm.
I still hurt even now, but I continually lean on Him and He is
always there.
Trials
can often bring us closer to the Lord.
I think often that is why He allows some to occur, to bring His
children closer to Him. Considering
that trials will come, and considering that peace and the fruits of the
Spirit are what the Lord wants each of us to have and exhibit, we should
engage in activities which lay the foundation for our preparation and
service. We should daily read
our Bible, our daily devotional, attend church services, listen to Gospel
music or anything that lifts up our Lord Jesus Christ.
If we stay focused on Him, stay in His word, stay in a continual
spirit of prayer and receptive to listening to Him, we will be able to
weather the storms of life, come out stronger, and in turn be a witness to
others that are also suffering. Being
that example of love, caring and peace is often the light the world needs
to see.
A
couple of songs come to mind when I think about enduring trials and
tribulation. First of all is
the song “Till the Storm Passes By”, which is on our “Almost Home”
CD. The other is one I sung
while with the group “The Whites” and is called “He Rescued Me”. Space does not allow me to quote the words, but suffice it to
say that Jesus has been that anchor in the storm for our family and He
will be there for you if you only ask Him. He will rescue you from an
eternity separated from God when you ask Him to be Lord and Savior of your
life.
Ministering
about the Lord’s goodness and love is why Legacy travels the miles we
do. The world has nothing to
offer but temporary satisfaction, but we love to sing about someone who
will give you eternal peace, security, love and contentment.
We would love to see you at one of our concerts and mention a
couple of special upcoming occasions.
Our annual anniversary sing will be held on Saturday, October 14 at
Pleasant Grove FWB Church in Pikeville and will feature our special
friends “The Glissons” and “The Kings Messengers”.
The service starts at 6:30pm with no admission being charged.
Also looking ahead, mark your calendars for our annual singing with
Dollywood’s own Kingdom Heirs which will be on Friday, February 9, 2007
at Pikeville PFWB church. More
details to follow in our next newsletter!!
In Christian Love,
Tim Perry for Legacy