2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight.

We’ve all got problems. For some of us the challenge is advancing age. For others it’s health issues. Some of us know the struggles of the single life, and some of us feel shunned. Of course, we know we’re not alone. There are others who have experienced these feelings, too.

Enter Job. Once he had been healthy, wealthy, and living the good life in the land of Uz. Then it all went south. The poor guy lost sons, daughters, servants, livestock, property, and more. How Job lamented and longed for the good old days (see Job 30:20-31).

Ah, yes, the good ole days! You know the feeling. The good ole days—where did they go? “God,” Job complained, “why is this happening to me?” That’s what you may be asking, too: “God, why is this happening to me?”

God often does not answer the why question. He didn’t answer it for Job. Job complained about God’s ways: “I cry to You for help and You do not answer me; I stand, and You only look at me” (Job 30:20). No, God did not answer Job’s heartfelt question. Instead, He asks His own: “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding” (38:4).

God often does not answer the why question for us either. God wants us to “walk by faith, not by sight.” If you and I were to have the answers to all the why questions—why your fortunes changed, why you’re ill, why friends shunned you, why you feel so painfully alone—then we would be walking by sight. But our Heavenly Father wants us to walk by faith.

Living by sight does not exalt God; faith does. And so faith, humbly but confidently, says, “Oh, Jesus, I’m lost in the darkness. Please take hold of my hand.” And He will. The One who was whipped and spat upon, the One who was abandoned by all His friends, the One who hung on the cross, this is the One who tells each of us, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20b).

Remembering that Jesus is with us always helps when we feel our why prayers go unanswered. These are the times to hold steadfast in God’s Word, letting the timeless truths of Scripture empower your faith with a firm resolve that no matter what your circumstances, God is with you and for you. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

The day is coming when faith will be replaced by sight, when your trust in the promises of God will be replaced by the reality of happiness in the presence of God in heaven. When you fret and worry, go to Him in prayer and Bible reading. There you will find a peace beyond understanding, a hope of glory beyond words. As the apostle Paul tells us, ” For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, it’s so easy to fix our eyes on circumstances and neglect You and Your Word. By Your Spirit, draw us close and keep us safe. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Adapted from “When You Feel So Painfully Alone,” a sermon by Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

We will celebrate Lutheran Women’s Missionary League during services on Sunday.  We rejoice in the blessing of the LWML as they serve the Lord and grow in faith through the study of God’s Word.  

“Take Heart In Your Grief” will be offered at Shepherd of the Valley starting Sunday, October 6.  Pastor Marcis and Pastor Wolfgram will lead the six-week course beginning at 6:30 each Sunday.  If you are mourning the death of a loved one and would like support and information to help you navigate the journey of grief, “Take Heart In Your Grief” will prove to be a blessing for you.  To register or for more information call the church office at 701-258-4231.

Brian Young from Creation Instruction Association will be presenting at Martin Luther School, Wednesday, October 9th. Brian will present to the MLS students during the day.  He will have an evening presentation at 7:00 at Zion Lutheran Church, 413 East Avenue D, Bismarck. This is open to the public.  Perfect for confirmation classes! Everyone is welcome to attend!  Call the school at 224-9070 if you have any questions.

Everyone His Witness (E1HW) “emphasizes listening to people to understand their worldview and where their lives connect with Jesus’ story. It does not focus on learning witnessing scripts or methods for engaging total strangers.”  E1HW will be held on October 12th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM with time allowed for lunch that will be provided by the church.  The cost to attend the workshop will be $10 to cover the workbook used in the training.  The goal attendance for this workshop is 36 people divided into 6 groups of 6 people.  There is still time to register.  Sign up today or email our Vision Path chair anncwnd@gmail.com.

The next Men’s Network will take place on Saturday, October 19 from 9:00-11:00 at Shepherd of the Valley.  “We The People:  Citizens Of Two Kingdoms” will be the focus of the Bible Study.  Breakfast will be served at 9:00am.  Pastor Wolfgram will lead the video-based study.

The next Hang Out will take place on Tuesday, October 15 at 6:00 pm.

“Friends Night Out” with Women’s Care Center, formerly First Choice Clinic will take place on October 15 at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck.  Social hour begins at 6:00 pm with the program at 7:00-8:30 pm.  This annual fundraiser event is an opportunity to socialize, meet staff, enjoy appetizers and hear their guest speaker, Kailee Perrin.  Call 701-237-6530 or visit https://teamfirstchoice.com/events to learn more and to register.

Please also remember the family of Rev. Allen Henderson, St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Fort Dodge, IA, who was killed outside the church building on Wednesday.  Pastor Henderson began his ministry at Concordia Lutheran Church in Williston back in 1989.

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2019/10/02/fort-dodge-police-investigate-church-death-iowa-criminal-investigation-dci-webster-county/3848743002/ 

Here is another sight:

https://www.messengernews.net/news/local-news/2019/10/rev-al-henderson-killed/