The Blessing On The Other Side! 9-13–26

Welcome to the word for the week. What is on the other side of what you are going through? Give that some real thought for a moment. We all know that nothing just happens. We believe that everything has a reason and it is just a matter of time before we see that. We know that all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord. We stand on the words to the song that says there will be glory after this. Let’s be honest about something. The frustration only shows up when we get too close to the promise. The fire is hottest when we are right on the edge of coming out of it. All of these things mean there is something good coming out of the bad we go through. The question is what will it look like when this is over?

Reflect over your own life for a moment. There have been highs and lows throughout your life. Some of the highs have been sky high and some of the lows have been rock bottom. But there is something to be learned in everything we go through. This may be tough but think about the things that got you through. Notice I used the word things in the sense of plural. In other words, it has not been one or two things along the way. You have been through countless things that have all played a part in who you are today. Those troubles taught you how to pray. Those setbacks taught you how not to give up on God. Those painful moments introduced you to the true peace of God. Those tears taught you that you really can see clearly through the rain. No rough time in your life ever felt good nor will it. What it has done is made you stronger!

Many of you have a prayer life today that will not give up on God. Those countless times God picked you up have truly paid off these days. Nobody can convince you that God is not there. You know better than that because if it was not for Him on your side you would not be here. Nobody has to tell you God will not leave you because you know He stayed true to His word. All of these things were building blocks in your life. They were not all lessons simply for you. Some of them were things you passed on to others. Some of those lessons are for a time yet to come. The point is wherever you are right now that does not feel good, you have already overcome something in past that was equally rough and you still came out standing. Something good is coming out of whatever you are going through right now. You think nobody knows or sees what you are dealing with. God is telling you that it was Him being there the whole time that kept you.

Every year we open up gifts that are wrapped up so we do not know what it is. Some of those gifts do not fit and some you honestly do not like although you cannot always say that. But God gave us a gift in the form of His Son. He gave us a gift who gave us life. He gave us a gift who keeps us and protects us. He gave us a gift who comforts us and guides us. He gave us a gift that is untouchable to the enemy. The point this week is that you do not have to worry about what is on the other side of any door. You simply have to trust God to either go through it or keep it closed. It may glitter and be your destruction. It may be dull and dingy but turn out to be a blessing you will never forget. If you go through life only using your natural eyes you will never discover what is on the other side of those doors that only your spiritual eyes can see. You do not get to approach things based on what they look like. You have to approach things with faith in Christ. This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes but we will only see that when we dare to go past the obstacles in front of us!

May the Lord continue to bless and keep you in His grace,
Bishop Carlos J. Lennon